Malta gives citizens ChatGPT Plus

Malta on May 16 launched a national program that gives eligible citizens and residents a free year of ChatGPT Plus or Microsoft 365 Personal Copilot after they complete a short online AI course, according to the Maltese government and OpenAI. The initiative, called “AI for Everyone,” is open to people in Malta and Gozo aged 14 and over, the government said. OpenAI described it as a “world’s first partnership” to roll out ChatGPT Plus to all Maltese citizens, while the government said the broader program also includes Microsoft’s consumer Copilot offer. Financial terms were not disclosed. ### Who qualifies, and what do they get? Malta’s government said citizens and residents in Malta and Gozo aged 14 and over can take part in the program. The MDIA service page says registrants must have an active eID account, and OpenAI said Maltese citizens living abroad will also be included as the program scales. The benefit is a one-year subscription after course completion. (gov.mt) The government said participants who finish the approximately two-hour course will receive a free one-year subscription to either ChatGPT Plus or Microsoft 365 Personal Copilot, while OpenAI’s announcement refers specifically to one year of ChatGPT Plus at no cost to citizens who complete the course. ### What is the course people have to complete? The University of Malta developed the course with the Malta Digital Innovation Authority, according to OpenAI and the Maltese government. The government described it as a self-paced online course available at no cost and designed for people without prior technical expertise. MDIA said the program requires completion of three core modules covering AI fundamentals and critical use, AI for everyday life, and AI for learning. (gov.mt) The platform also offers optional tracks for professionals, job seekers, entrepreneurship, accessibility and independent living, and formal education, with certificates issued after the three fundamental modules and again for additional modules. (openai.com) ### Why did Malta structure it this way? Ian Borg, Malta’s foreign minister, said at the launch that the government did not want “anyone to be left behind” and wanted everyone to benefit from technology. Silvio Schembri, Malta’s economy minister, said the course was meant to build confidence and skills while pairing education with access to advanced digital tools. (mdia.gov.mt) OpenAI’s George Osborne, the company’s head of OpenAI for Countries, said Malta was “leading Europe and the world in bringing AI to all its citizens.” OpenAI said the program is meant to help people use AI in everyday life, learning and work, and the government said the initiative forms part of Malta Vision 2050 and a wider digital investment push. ### What has Malta said about cost and scale? (timesofmalta.com) Times of Malta reported that ChatGPT Plus retails at about 23 euros a month and that Microsoft 365 Personal Copilot ranges from $10 to $39 a month, depending on the product tier cited in the report. The newspaper also reported that neither the Maltese government nor OpenAI disclosed the financial details of the agreement. (openai.com) OpenAI said the first phase of the program will launch in May, with the Malta Digital Innovation Authority managing distribution to eligible participants. The company said the program will scale as more Maltese residents and citizens abroad complete the course. ### Where does this sit in Malta’s broader policy push? Malta’s government said the initiative follows earlier policy work on AI and a broader state push on digitalization. (timesofmalta.com) The May 16 government release said the country is updating its AI strategy and pointed to a 100 million euro budget commitment for digitalization and technologies including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, blockchain and robotics. (openai.com) The next step is operational rather than legislative. MDIA said registration is tied to its online platform and eID system, and OpenAI said distribution begins in the first phase in May under MDIA’s management as more eligible participants complete the course. (mdia.gov.mt) (gov.mt)