By Dan Milmo
Publication Date: 2026-01-26 06:00:00
Met Office data and legal documents from the National Archives could be used by artificial intelligence systems as the UK government presses ahead with plans to use federally owned material in AI tools.
The government is providing researchers with funding to test how Met Office content could be used by the technology, such as helping authorities and local authorities know when they need to buy more road grit. Another project will examine whether legal data from the National Archives – the UK’s repository of official documents – could help medium and small businesses with legal support.
The government has also announced plans to license content from national institutions such as the National History Museum and the National Library of Scotland for AI development.
Ian Murray, the digital government and data minister, said the National Archives plan shows “what intelligent use of the public sector should look like”.
“Whether you are a cafe owner wanting to understand labor law or a shop owner…
