USAID First Federal Agency to Leverage ChatGPT Enterprise

Anna Makanju, OpenAI’s Vice President of Global Affairs recently revealed that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is the first federal agency to leverage ChatGPT Enterprise.

OpenAI released ChatGPT Enterprise in August 2023. ChatGPT Enterprise is designed for larger organizations and promises enhanced analytics and customization features.

Makanju also revealed that other federal agencies have already begun using the software in more limited capacities.

“We of course understand some agencies have hesitations or questions about how this technology can be integrated safely and effectively into their operations. We also continue to advocate for the development of policies that delineate appropriate use cases, such as limiting the use of consumer tools to the public, non-sensitive data — akin to how government agencies utilize search engines,” Makanju told FedScoop.

USAID Administrator Samantha Power held discussions with Makanju in June, according to media reports. Both parties also discussed enhancing advancements in critical sectors such as global health and food security, mitigating AI misuse, and bolstering information integrity and resilience in USAID partner nations.

Earlier this year, USAID also introduced a 10-year digital policy to steer its approach to emerging technologies in partner countries, addressing areas from improving internet access to integrating artificial intelligence.

The Digital Policy seeks to equip USAID and its global partners to keep up with rapid technological advancements, adopt digital technologies responsibly, enhance information integrity and resilience, combat digital authoritarianism, and expedite development and humanitarian efforts through digital solutions.