The European Commission has designated OpenAI’s ChatGPT as a “very large online search engine” and classified Reddit and Roblox as “very large online platforms” under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), subjecting all three to tougher content moderation rules.
The designations, which were made on Monday, were made after each of these services had exceeded the figure of 45 million average monthly active users within the EU, the number required under the bloc’s important online safety law for heightened oversight. With that said, ChatGPT is the first-ever AI chatbot to be designated as subject to the DSA.
As per the new designations, the companies have now got until the end of December in order to meet new obligations such as risk assessment and mitigation relating to any potential illegal activity, as well as protecting minors and the physical and psychological well-being of their users.
Non-compliance could result in fines up to 6% of global annual revenue. OpenAI reported around $13 billion in revenue in 2025, potentially exposing the company to fines of up to $780 million.
Henna Virkkunen, the EU’s tech chief, said: “The designations mean that ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox will now be held to a higher standard of scrutiny and accountability in the European Union.”
The expansion of the DSA into generative AI comes as Brussels faces pressure from Washington over its regulation of US tech companies. But the Commission insists its digital laws apply to companies regardless of where they are based.
An OpenAI spokesperson said the company is “preparing to meet the additional compliance requirements,” while Roblox expressed pride in being the first gaming platform to reach the milestone.
2026-08-31 21:44:00
