ChatGPT EU Regulation Places It Under Stricter Digital Services Act Rules
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The ChatGPT EU Regulation landscape has entered a significant new phase after the European Commission placed ChatGPT under the strictest tier of the Digital Services Act (DSA). The decision also applies to Reddit and Roblox, subjecting all three services to enhanced regulatory requirements because they exceed the EU’s user threshold for very large digital services.
The designation is particularly significant for ChatGPT because it marks the first time an AI chatbot has been classified as a Very Large Online Search Engine (VLOSE) under EU law. The European Commission considers ChatGPT a hybrid service because it can respond to user queries by retrieving information from the internet.
Reddit and Roblox, meanwhile, have been designated as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs). The three services now face additional obligations under the Digital Services Act.
Why ChatGPT Was Classified as a Search Engine
The ChatGPT EU Regulation development follows the services’ declarations that they reach at least 45 million average monthly users in the European Union, the threshold used for designation under the DSA.
According to reported figures, ChatGPT’s search function averaged around 159 million monthly active users in the EU during the relevant reporting period. Reddit reported approximately 57.2 million users, while Roblox was also reported to have exceeded the 45 million threshold.
The Commission has described ChatGPT as a hybrid service because its capabilities allow users to submit queries and obtain information, including through internet search functions. This led to its classification as a Very Large Online Search Engine rather than a Very Large Online Platform.
What the New DSA Requirements Mean
Following their designation, ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox have four months to comply with the additional obligations that apply to VLOPs and VLOSEs, with the compliance period running until January 2027.
The companies will be required to assess and mitigate systemic risks connected to their services and algorithmic systems. These risks can include:
- Illegal content
- Negative effects on minors
- Users’ physical and mental wellbeing
- Fundamental rights
- Electoral processes
- Public security
The designation also gives the European Commission greater powers to investigate how the services operate and examine whether they comply with the relevant DSA requirements.
How ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox Will Be Supervised
The European Commission will play a central role in supervising compliance with the enhanced DSA framework.
For ChatGPT and Reddit, the Commission will work alongside Ireland’s Coimisiún na Meán. Roblox will be supervised in cooperation with the Netherlands’ Authority for Consumers and Markets.
With these latest designations, the total number of services operating under the DSA’s strictest regulatory category has reached 28.
| Services | DSA Designation |
| ChatGPT | Very Large Online Search Engine |
| Very Large Online Platform | |
| Roblox | Very Large Online Platform |
What Happens if Companies Fail to Comply?
The Digital Services Act gives the European Commission significant enforcement powers over companies covered by its rules.
Failure to comply with DSA obligations can result in penalties of up to 6% of a company’s global annual turnover. The potential financial consequences make the new designation particularly important for major international technology services.
However, the designation itself does not mean that ChatGPT, Reddit or Roblox have been found to have violated the law. The classification places them under a higher level of regulatory oversight because of their scale and potential impact.
Why the Decision Matters for AI Regulation
The ChatGPT EU Regulation development is particularly notable because AI chatbots have generally not fit neatly into traditional categories such as online platforms or search engines.
By classifying ChatGPT as a hybrid service and designating it as a Very Large Online Search Engine, the European Commission has applied the DSA’s existing framework to a major AI-powered service with internet search capabilities.
This decision could become an important reference point for the regulation of other large AI services that combine conversational technology with access to information from across the internet. However, the designation applies specifically to ChatGPT, and it does not automatically mean that every AI chatbot will receive the same classification.
Wider EU and US Technology Regulation Debate
The new designations come amid wider disagreements between the United States and the European Union over the regulation of major technology companies.
The Trump administration has previously criticised some EU actions affecting American technology companies and argued that European digital rules can unfairly target US businesses.
The addition of ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox to the DSA’s strictest category could draw further attention to this broader debate. However, the European Commission maintains that the DSA applies to qualifying services based on the rules and thresholds established under the regulation.
FAQs
What is the new ChatGPT EU Regulation decision?
The European Commission has designated ChatGPT as a Very Large Online Search Engine under the Digital Services Act, placing it under the EU’s enhanced regulatory framework for very large digital services.
Why was ChatGPT classified as a search engine?
The Commission considers ChatGPT a hybrid service because it can respond to user queries and retrieve information through internet-based search capabilities.
How many EU users does ChatGPT have?
According to reported figures, ChatGPT’s search function averaged around 159 million monthly active users in the European Union during the relevant reporting period.
What is the DSA threshold for stricter regulation?
Services that reach at least 45 million average monthly users in the European Union can qualify for designation under the DSA’s enhanced framework for very large platforms and search engines.
When must ChatGPT comply with the new requirements?
ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox have four months to comply with the additional requirements, with the compliance period running until January 2027.
What happens if a company does not comply?
Companies that fail to meet relevant DSA obligations can face penalties of up to 6% of their global annual turnover.
Conclusion
The ChatGPT EU Regulation decision represents an important development in the European Union’s approach to regulating major AI-powered and digital services.
By designating ChatGPT as a Very Large Online Search Engine, the European Commission has placed an AI chatbot within the DSA’s strictest regulatory framework. ChatGPT, along with Reddit and Roblox, will now face greater scrutiny and additional responsibilities related to systemic risks and accountability.
The companies have until January 2027 to meet the additional requirements. For ChatGPT, the designation is especially significant because it establishes a new regulatory precedent for an AI service that combines conversational technology with access to internet-based information.
