EU classifies ChatGPT as 'Very Large' search engine, triggering stricter oversight
The European Commission has designated ChatGPT as a Very Large Online Search Engine under the Digital Services Act, alongside Reddit and Roblox as Very Large Online Platforms. OpenAI must now address risks to minors, mental health, and illegal content, and comply with transparency and ad-targeting restrictions by the end of December 2026. The designation applies to services with over 45 million average monthly EU users.
The Digital Services Act's "Very Large" threshold of 45 million average monthly EU users triggers heightened regulatory obligations. OpenAI now faces requirements to conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation measures addressing child safety, mental health concerns, and illegal content distribution through ChatGPT. The December 2026 compliance deadline provides roughly sixteen months for system adjustments.
The DSA framework also prohibits targeted advertising based on sensitive personal characteristics such as sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or political beliefs, and mandates transparency regarding recommendation algorithms. Reddit and Roblox face parallel obligations as Very Large Online Platforms, reflecting the EU's expanding regulatory reach across diverse service categories, from AI chatbots to social communities and gaming environments.
This designation could reshape how AI chatbots operate across the EU, potentially setting a precedent for other jurisdictions examining AI regulation. European users may see changes in content moderation and age verification, while smaller AI companies could face competitive disadvantages if