EU's strict online safety regulations now apply to ChatGPT and Reddit
The European Union has applied its strictest online safety rules to ChatGPT and Reddit. This follows their rapid growth in user numbers. The platforms must now comply with the EU's Digital Services Act.
The European Union’s Digital Services Act imposes heightened obligations on very large online platforms, including stricter content moderation, transparency, and risk management. ChatGPT and Reddit now fall under these rules because their user bases have grown past the EU’s threshold for “very large” services. This means both must regularly assess systemic risks, such as the spread of illegal content or manipulation, and report their findings to regulators. The designation follows a pattern of the EU applying its toughest digital standards to major tech players, extending beyond traditional social media to AI chatbots and community forums.
This move could reshape how AI tools and discussion platforms operate across Europe, affecting millions of users who rely on them daily. ChatGPT may need to adjust its outputs or data practices to meet transparency demands, while Reddit might alter moderation or recommendation systems. Businesses using these services could face new compliance costs, and users may see changes in content availability or features. The rules could also set a precedent for other regions weighing similar oversight, though enforcement and practical effects remain uncertain.