OpenAI and the Maltese government just announced a groundbreaking partnership: every citizen of Malta will get free access to ChatGPT Plus for a year. But it’s not just handing out accounts — participants must first complete an AI literacy course developed by the University of Malta. The course covers what AI is, its capabilities and limits, and responsible use at home and work. The program launches in May, managed by the Malta Digital Innovation Authority, and will scale to include Maltese residents abroad. This is the first national-level deal of its kind, blending education with direct tool access. Other governments are likely watching closely. Why it matters: This experiment could become a blueprint for how nations democratize AI access while ensuring citizens actually understand the technology — turning AI from an abstract buzzword into a practical everyday tool.