EU Expands Digital Scrutiny of ChatGPT
News Desk
Brussels: The European Union (EU) has widened its digital regulatory reach to include OpenAI’s ChatGPT, subjecting the AI chatbot to enhanced oversight under the bloc’s Digital Services Act (DSA).
The European Commission announced Monday that ChatGPT had been designated a “very large online search engine,” making it the first artificial intelligence chatbot to fall under this category.
Reddit and Roblox have also been designated as “very large online platforms” after exceeding the EU’s threshold of 45 million average monthly active users.
The classifications will impose additional responsibilities on all three services, including identifying potential risks, limiting the spread of illegal content and strengthening safeguards for children and other users.
Under the new requirements, the companies must evaluate systemic risks associated with their services and take appropriate steps to address them. They will also be expected to introduce measures aimed at safeguarding users’ physical and psychological well-being.
The companies have until the end of December to comply with the additional obligations.
Businesses that breach the DSA can face penalties of as much as 6% of their worldwide annual turnover. Based on OpenAI’s reported 2025 revenue of approximately $13 billion, a maximum fine could amount to about $780 million.
EU technology chief Henna Virkkunen said the new classifications would subject ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox to greater regulatory scrutiny and accountability across the bloc.
The move highlights the EU’s growing focus on regulating artificial intelligence alongside established online platforms. It also signals a broader application of the DSA as European authorities seek to address emerging digital risks.
The decision comes amid continuing disagreements between Brussels and Washington over European regulations affecting major US technology companies. The European Commission maintains that its digital rules apply to companies providing services within the EU, regardless of their country of origin.
OpenAI said it was preparing to fulfill the new compliance requirements. Roblox welcomed its classification, saying it was proud to become the first gaming platform to reach the user threshold that triggers enhanced EU supervision.
