AI for All programme draws 6,000 users in 48 hours
€7 million programme was launched on Monday
The AI for All programme, which offers participants a free one-year subscription to AI platforms after completing a course, attracted over 6,000 active users within the first 48 hours of its launch on Monday.
The government last week launched Malta’s National AI Literacy Programme following an agreement with US artificial intelligence company OpenAI, and Microsoft to provide all residents with access to ChatGPT Plus or Copilot for one year upon completion of a course on how to use artificial intelligence.
The initiative is estimated to cost €7 million annually.
Maltese citizens and residents aged 14 and over who possess an eID account are eligible to participate. The course is accessible via https://ai4all.gov.mt. Upon registering through their eID account, participants gain access to three modules: Fundamentals of AI, AI for Everyday Life, and AI for Learning.
Each module is designed to take no longer than one hour to complete.
After completing all three modules, participants are required to undertake a short exercise to reinforce key concepts. Upon successful completion, they are given a choice between two AI tools: ChatGPT Plus or Microsoft 365 Personal with Copilot.
As the course is self-paced, redemption of the one-year subscription code depends on each participant’s pace and final completion date.
This raised questions about the data protection of subscribers. Asked about this, a spokesperson said that the programme is designed to allow the government of Malta to purchase subscription codes, which are then issued to successful applicants who enrol in the course using their eID.
“No personal data is shared with AI platform providers as part of this process. Furthermore, providers are required to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and are signatories to the General-Purpose AI Code of Practice published by the European Union AI Office. Additionally, the AI systems are supervised by the European Commission,” the spokesperson said.
Asked about the data protection issues, Dylan Seychell, a lead academic from the University of Malta on the National AI Literacy Programme, elaborated that the programme focuses on educating participants on how to use AI responsibly, both personally and professionally, while safeguarding personal and third-party data. It also promotes efficient use of AI tools in everyday and work contexts.