ChatGPT to face tougher regulation in the EU
The European Commission has designated ChatGPT as a "Very Large Online Search Engine" under the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), meaning OpenAI must now take greater responsibility for mitigating risks tied to the chatbot's effects on minors, users' mental health, and the spread of illegal content. Reddit and Roblox have simultaneously been classified as "Very Large Online Platforms" under the same law, subjecting all three services to stricter EU oversight given their scale and influence over citizens.
The DSA designation applies to services with at least 45 million average monthly users in the EU, and it bars platforms from targeting adverts at minors or using sensitive data such as sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity or political beliefs for ad targeting. It also compels greater transparency around how recommendation algorithms function. ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox now have until the end of December 2026 to comply, with EU tech sovereignty chief Henna Virkkunen stating the move ensures the platforms face "a higher standard of scrutiny and accountability" in line with their societal impact.
- ChatGPT now classed as a Very Large Online Search Engine under EU's DSA
- Reddit and Roblox also newly designated as Very Large Online Platforms
- Firms must comply with stricter EU rules by end of December 2026
New here? Start with this
The EU’s Digital Services Act is a law that sets rules for large online services. It aims to reduce risks to users and make services more open about how they operate, including how adverts are targeted and how content is recommended.
The law treats services with at least 45 million average monthly users in the EU as especially large. ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence chatbot made by OpenAI; Reddit is a discussion website, and Roblox is an online gaming platform. Their size matters because their services can affect many people across the EU, including children.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Treating ChatGPT as a very large service recognises that its reach can affect children, mental health and the circulation of illegal content, so stronger duties could help prevent harm and give users more transparency about recommendations and advertising. Applying the same scale-based rules to major services also supports consistent accountability as their influence grows.
The case against
A designation developed for search engines and platforms may fit a conversational AI imperfectly, and broad obligations could impose costs or restrictions that make useful services harder to develop and provide. Critics may also argue that the EU should show that these measures address specific risks effectively, while avoiding rules that unnecessarily limit access or innovation.