ChatGPT will soon be held accountable for mitigating risks linked to its impact on minors, user mental health, and the spread of illegal content across the European Union. The change follows the European Commission’s decision to classify the chatbot as a Very Large Online Search Engine under the Digital Services Act, the framework governing major online services and platforms.
The designation places OpenAI’s chatbot alongside other prominent services now subject to heightened obligations. It also marks a significant expansion of the DSA’s reach, extending the rules to generative AI tools that have become part of everyday online activity for millions of users.
What the New Designation Means
Under the DSA, online platforms and search engines are considered “Very Large” once they reach at least 45 million average monthly users in the EU. Reaching that threshold triggers a stricter set of responsibilities designed to increase scrutiny and accountability.
The rules restrict platforms from targeting advertising at minors and prohibit the use of a person’s sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or political beliefs for ad targeting. Services are also required to provide greater transparency about how their recommendation algorithms operate, giving users clearer insight into the way content is surfaced.
“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,” said Henna Virkkunen, EU executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy.
Reddit and Roblox Also Affected
Alongside ChatGPT, the European Commission announced that Reddit and Roblox are now considered Very Large Online Platforms, subjecting them to the same set of obligations. Both services join a growing list of platforms required to demonstrate that they are actively managing systemic risks tied to their scale and influence.
The focus on minors is a central element of the framework, reflecting concerns about how large online services shape the experiences of younger users. Requirements around mental health and the circulation of illegal content further underline the direction the EU is taking with its digital rulebook.
ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox have until the end of December 2026 to comply with the rules.
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Image: theverge.com
