OpenAI Starts UK Data Residency Through Ministry of Justice Partnership

OpenAI is launching a data residency option for UK government agencies and businesses, enabling them to store data within the country to enhance privacy, security, and cyber resilience. This initiative, announced by Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy in partnership with the Ministry of Justice, supports AI adoption in public services, including equipping over 1,000 probation officers with Justice Transcribe, an AI tool that transcribes conversations with offenders to reduce administrative burdens. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman highlighted a fourfold increase in UK users over the past year, reflecting growing AI adoption. The UK data residency option will be available for API Platform, ChatGPT Enterprise, and ChatGPT Edu customers, with further interest from other government departments following pilot projects. The move aligns with OpenAI's broader efforts to expand AI use in public and private sectors while addressing local data protection requirements. This development also coincides with OpenAI's launch of ChatGPT Atlas, an AI-powered web browser, which may accelerate AI-driven search trends.