Malta becomes first country to offer all citizens free ChatGPT Plus access
OpenAI and Malta's government announced a partnership Saturday that will provide all Maltese citizens with free ChatGPT Plus access for one year, marking the first time a government has secured this type of deal with the company.
Citizens who complete a government-backed AI literacy course developed by the University of Malta will qualify for the benefit. The course covers what AI is, its limitations, and how to use it responsibly at work and home.
Silvio Schembri, Malta's minister for economy, enterprise and strategic projects, said the goal is to move AI "from an unfamiliar concept into practical assistance for our families, students, and workers."
The Malta Digital Innovation Authority will manage distribution when the first phase launches this month. The program will expand as more residents and citizens abroad complete the course.
Part of broader government adoption strategy
The deal falls under OpenAI's AI for Government initiative, which tailors partnerships to each country's priorities. Rather than applying a standard model, the company works with governments on areas including education, workforce training, and public services.
OpenAI has struck similar agreements elsewhere. Last year, the company partnered with Estonia to provide all secondary school students and teachers with ChatGPT Edu, a version built for education systems. Greece has also launched its own government partnership with OpenAI.
The company has expanded beyond civilian sectors. OpenAI signed a deal with the U.S. Department of Defense to deploy its AI models on classified military networks.
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