OpenAI’s ChatGPT will be subject to stricter regulations under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), the European Commission announced, marking a significant expansion of the bloc’s oversight into generative artificial intelligence (AI) services. ChatGPT has been classified as a “very large online search engine,” while social media platform Reddit and gaming site Roblox have been designated as “very large online platforms” under the DSA. This classification applies to services with at least 45 million average monthly users within the EU.
The new designations impose heightened obligations on these platforms, including requirements to remove illegal content promptly, protect the privacy and security of minors, and prevent misuse of their algorithmic systems that could spread harmful material or interfere with democratic processes. Companies failing to comply may face fines of up to 6 percent of their global revenue.
The EU’s Digital Services Act represents a landmark online safety regulatory framework aimed at ensuring more accountability from major internet services. With ChatGPT becoming the first chatbot to be classified as a very large online search engine, it joins the ranks of established tech giants like Google and Microsoft’s Bing, which already face similar scrutiny. Reddit and Roblox also join a list of online platforms, including Amazon, Apple, and Meta, subjected to these stricter rules.
The designation follows the platforms surpassing the EU’s user threshold for enhanced regulation. The companies have until the end of December to meet the additional requirements, which include measures to assess the potential impact of their content on children’s well-being and society at large.
OpenAI stated that it is preparing to comply with the new obligations arising from its designation under the DSA. Roblox emphasized its commitment to safety, describing it as fundamental to its operations, while Reddit has not publicly responded to inquiries.
In parallel, the EU is also enforcing its AI Act, one of the world’s first comprehensive regulations specifically targeting the deployment and development of AI technologies. Additionally, the bloc has initiated investigations under its competition law framework into whether companies such as Google have breached EU rules through their use of AI-generated content summaries.
The move to impose tougher rules on US-based tech firms comes amid tensions with Washington, where officials argue that the EU’s regulatory approach unfairly targets American companies and undermines freedom of speech principles valued by certain political groups.
As the European Commission seeks to adapt existing regulations to keep pace with rapid advances in AI, the new designations under the DSA signal a significant step toward increased oversight and accountability for emerging technologies with substantial societal influence.