EU puts ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox under stricter digital rules

The European Commission said that ChatGPT is a hybrid service that qualifies as an online search engine under the DSA. Photo: Antti Aimo-Koivisto / Lehtikuva

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The European Commission has designated ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox as services subject to added requirements under the Digital Services Act after each reported at least 45 million monthly users in the EU. ChatGPT will be treated as a Very Large Online Search Engine, while Reddit and Roblox will fall under rules for Very Large Online Platforms.

The classifications place the three services under the DSA framework for online services with the largest audiences in the bloc.

The Commission said ChatGPT qualifies as an online search engine because the AI service responds to user prompts and includes web search. Brussels described ChatGPT as a “hybrid service”.

Reddit and Roblox received Very Large Online Platform status because users publish and distribute content through their services.

“These new designations mean that ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox will now be held to a higher standard of scrutiny and accountability in the European Union, in line with their large impact on our citizens and society,” EU technology commissioner Henna Virkkunen said.

The services have four months following notification to comply with the additional requirements. The Commission said the deadline falls in January 2027.

They will have to assess and address systemic risks linked to illegal content, minors, physical and mental well-being, fundamental rights, elections and public security. The designations also give the Commission investigative authority over the services and related systems.

Euronews reported that OpenAI disclosed an average of about 159 million monthly active users for ChatGPT’s search function in the EU during the six months ending in March 2026. Reddit reported 57.2 million users and Roblox about 48 million, according to the report.

The DSA threshold for designation as a Very Large Online Platform or Very Large Online Search Engine stands at 45 million average monthly users in the EU.