FOI release

Response: Records of interactions with ChatGPT

Published 10 April 2025

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/foi2025-00262-records-of-interactions-with-chatgpt/response-records-of-interactions-with-chatgpt

Reference number FOI2025-00262
Date of request 1 April 2025
Date of response 10 May 2025
Outcome Request refused

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (the department) received the following request for information which we responded to under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA):

I am requesting copies of any records of interactions with ChatGPT or other AI chatbot/LLM systems conducted by UK Government Ministers, including but not limited to:

  1. Chat logs, transcripts, or records of any interactions between UK Ministers and ChatGPT (or similar AI chatbots) that were conducted on government devices, accounts, or within official government work.

  2. Metadata or documentation relating to ministerial use of ChatGPT, such as internal policies, email discussions, or briefings on its use by Ministers.

  3. Dates and times of recorded interactions, if available.

  4. Name and position of the involved person, where applicable.

1. Our response:

The department can confirm that conducting the searches necessary to confirm if we hold the information you have asked for would exceed the cost limit set out by section 12 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA).

2. Section 12: The scope of your request exceeds the cost limit under the FOIA

The Freedom of Information and Data Protection (Appropriate Limit and Fees) Regulations 2004 states that the ‘appropriate limit’ for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is £600 which would equate to 24 hours work.

We have assessed that finding, retrieving and/or extracting the information within scope of your request would exceed 24 hours of work which would accrue a charge of £600 or more, triggering the provisions of section 12 of the FOIA. 

3. Advice and assistance

The department is obligated to provide advice and assistance where appropriate to help you narrow down your request. You could consider the following:

  • State which AI chatbots you wish for us to search

  • State a specific minister

  • Provide a date range

The department will consider the new request, however, please note if the department determines that a refined request does not mean it will necessarily fall under the cost limit. The department would need to consider if it is in the public interest for us to dedicate the resources necessary to carry out this kind of search, or whether it represents an unreasonable burden on us as a public authority.

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