UK’s “Free” AI Skills Program Raises Concerns Over sovereignty and Quality
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A new government initiative promising widespread AI training is facing criticism for its reliance on US tech giants, questionable course quality, and failure to address public concerns about the technology’s impact.
The UK government launched its AI Skills Boost programme last month, touting “free AI training for all” and asserting the courses would equip citizens with the skills to effectively utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools. However, a growing chorus of experts and advocates are raising serious doubts about the program’s efficacy and strategic direction.
US Tech Dependency Undermines UK AI Ambitions
The “AI Skills Boost” program, positioned as a foundational element of the government’s broader AI Skills Hub, centers around 14 courses exclusively developed by major US organizations, effectively promoting their platforms. Critics argue this approach directly contradicts the government’s stated goal – outlined in its recent AI opportunities action plan – to establish the UK as “an AI maker, not an AI taker.”
“It is indeed not clear how increasing UK workers’ reliance and usage of US big tech tools and platforms is intended to increase the UK’s homegrown AI talent,” one analyst noted.
The situation stands in stark contrast to France, where President Macron recently announced a plan to reduce dependence on US-based technology companies by prioritizing local providers to bolster digital sovereignty and privacy. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall’s messaging, though, has been described as contradictory.
According to a statement from the Secretary of State, while acknowledging AI’s critical importance, the UK’s strategy appears to be adopting existing technologies developed overseas. This reliance raises significant concerns about data security, as Microsoft, a key partner in the initiative, has admitted that “US authorities can compel access to data held by American cloud providers, regardless of where that data physically resides.” The question remains: is this the level of sovereignty and privacy the UK government intends to offer its citizens?
A missed Possibility for a UK-Focused AI Strategy
The current approach represents a missed opportunity to cultivate a beneficial and self-reliant UK approach to AI. “We need to have greater national ambition than simply providing skills training,” a senior official stated. “That the only substandard skills provision available is provided by those with commercial interests in controlling how people think about and use AI is a further insult.”
The government’s economic projections – such as Technology Secretary Kendall’s claim that AI could add £400 billion to the economy by 2030 – are frequently enough based on reports that primarily highlight the positive impact of Google technologies in the UK, echoing a “Silicon Valley playbook.” This focus on practical skills, critics argue, undermines national sovereignty, harms the economy by directing funds to US tech companies, and entrenches political disenfranchisement by framing AI as too complex for public engagement.
Furthermore, the Department for Education and the Department for Science, innovation and Technology rescinded an offer to meet with a group of specialists, education experts, and public representatives in July 2025.Without comprehensive public understanding, developing AI for public good and maintaining public trust will be a significant challenge.
Those seeking to contribute to a more informed and equitable AI future are encouraged to sign a second version of an open letter currently being drafted or submit critical AI literacy resources to We and AI’s resource hub.
This article is co-authored by:
Tania Duarte, founder, We and AI
Bruna Martins, director at Tecer Digital
Dr. Elinor Carmi, senior lecturer in data politics and social justice, City St. George’s University of London
Dr. Mark Wong, head of social and urban policy, University of Glasgow
Dr Susan Oman, senior Lecturer, data, AI & society, The University of Sheffield
Ismael Kherroubi Garcia, founder & CEO, Kairoi
Cinzia Pusceddu, senior fellow of the Higher Education Academy, independent researcher
Dylan Orchard, postgraduate researcher, King’s College London
Tim Davies, director of research & practice, Connected by Data
steph Wright, co-founder & managing director, Our AI Collective.
