The European Commission has designated ChatGPT as a “Very Large Online Search Engine,” while Reddit and Roblox have been labeled “Very Large Online Platforms.” Each service exceeded the threshold of 45 million average monthly users in the European Union, triggering the stricter oversight. The new classifications carry the most stringent obligations under the Digital Services Act, which is the bloc’s main digital rulebook.
The designations mean ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox will face greater scrutiny of their services and algorithms, specifically regarding how they could spread illegal content, harm minors, or affect elections. The Commission will also supervise these companies more closely for compliance, which includes requiring them to share data with regulators, submit to annual independent audits, and allow researchers to access platform data in certain cases.
Henna Virkkunen, the Commission’s executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy, said the new designations subject the platforms to a higher standard of accountability in the European Union, matching their impact on citizens and society. Her statement came in a press release announcing the moves. The enforcement gives the three companies four months to bring their operations into line with the stricter rules.
The new designations affect major US-based tech firms, as ChatGPT is operated by OpenAI, Reddit is a publicly traded US social media company, and Roblox is a US gaming platform. For American users and investors, the EU action signals that these services face additional regulatory compliance costs and potential operational changes in one of the world’s largest markets.
With these additions, the Commission now lists 28 services under the Digital Services Act as very large online platforms or search engines. Earlier this year, the EU applied the same designation to WhatsApp, which joined Facebook and Instagram under the stricter regime. The Commission’s enforcement list continues to expand as more platforms cross the user threshold.
OpenAI, Reddit, and Roblox did not immediately respond to requests for comment, and the story may be updated if they reply. The designations take effect under the DSA, which was designed to hold large digital services accountable for systemic risks. The four-month compliance window will be closely watched by other platforms nearing the user threshold.
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