Malta's residents can use OpenAI or Microsoft AI for free for a year
Malta's government has launched a program through which people there can secure one year of free AI usage. This is preceded by an online course.
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The government of Malta is promising all residents of the country free access to ChatGPT Plus or Microsoft Copilot for one year; they only need to complete an online course developed by the University of Malta. This was announced by the island nation's Ministry of Economy, which stated that this is the world's first program of its kind. The course is intended to help people understand what AI is, what the technology can do, what it cannot do, and how to use it responsibly at home and at work, adds OpenAI. The program is scheduled to begin in May and will be open to all residents and citizens of Malta living abroad. ChatGPT Plus normally costs 23 euros per month; Copilot slightly less.
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With the program called “AI for All,” we ensure that every citizen can build confidence and competence in dealing with AI, regardless of their personal background, believes Malta's Minister of Economy, Silvio Schembri. By combining learning content with free access to the “most advanced digital tools,” we are turning an unfamiliar concept into a practical aid for families, students, and workers. His country does not want to allow “citizens to lose touch in the digital age.” OpenAI congratulates the country and assures that the small EU member state is thus taking a leading role in Europe and worldwide.
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According to the course description, it will cover ways to “spot unreliable or misleading AI outputs,” protect privacy and personal data, and “use AI to learn, create, and get things done more effectively.” Furthermore, people should be enabled to make better decisions about when AI technology should and should not be used. To complete the course, three modules must be completed, along with specialized units for specific professions. The Republic of Malta is located in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily, and has approximately 520,000 inhabitants. ChatGPT Plus includes, among other things, access to the AI model ChatGPT-5.5 Thinking.
(mho)
