AI systems could use Met Office and National Archives data under UK plans

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Dan Milmo Global technology editorJanuary 26, 2026 at 07:00 AM

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The UK government is funding projects to explore the use of nationally owned data from the Met Office and National Archives in AI systems. Researchers will investigate how Met Office weather data can aid agencies, while legal documents from the National Archives could provide AI-powered legal support for small businesses. This initiative is part of a broader government plan to license content from national institutions for AI development, aiming to create a national data library. The goal is to promote AI deployment and development by leveraging state-controlled data. This plan follows criticism of government proposals regarding copyright law and AI, prompting a review of those proposals.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

NHS 30% Keir Starmer 30% ChatGPT 40% Liz Kendall 40% National Library of Scotland 50% National History Museum 50% Ian Murray 60% UK ×270% Met Office ×280% National Archives ×480%

Keywords

artificial intelligence 100% government data 80% met office 70% national archives 70% uk 70% ai development 60% legal data 60% copyright law 50% data protection 40%