EU Designates ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox as Very Large Online Platforms Under DSA
Quick Look
The European Commission has classified ChatGPT as a Very Large Online Search Engine and Reddit and Roblox as Very Large Online Platforms under the Digital Services Act, subjecting them to strict oversight and systemic risk assessments, with potential fines of up to 6% of global annual turnover for non-compliance within four months.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The Digital Services Act (DSA) imposes strict obligations on very large online platforms and search engines in the EU, including systemic risk assessments and mitigation measures related to minors, election integrity, and public safety. Non-compliance can result in fines up to 6% of global annual turnover.
The European Commission has submitted ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox to its strictest regulatory regime for online services.
This Monday, the European executive designated ChatGPT as a "very large online search engine" (Very Large Online Search Engine), and Reddit and Roblox as "very large online platforms" (Very Large Online Platforms) under the Digital Services Act (DSA). These classifications place these U.S.-based services under the direct supervision of the Commission and impose obligations regarding the assessment and mitigation of systemic risks, particularly concerning effects on minors, election integrity, and public safety.
If a company fails to comply with these rules within four months, it exposes itself to fines reaching up to 6% of its global annual turnover.
Online services with more than 45 million users in the EU are subject to this stricter regime, which now applies to 28 platforms and search engines.
The potential classification of ChatGPT has been under particular scrutiny since the company announced last year that it had 120 million users. However, the European executive had difficulty determining whether OpenAI's tool fell under the category of search engines or platforms. This highly popular chatbot, considered one of the forerunners of the current AI revolution, is already subject to strict regulation in Brussels under the AI Act, the European regulation on artificial intelligence.
Reddit, a discussion forum founded in 2005, reported having 57.2 million users in July, while the Roblox gaming platform claimed 46.6 million users in the European Union.
Joost Hagesteijn, Roblox's General Manager for Europe, stated in a press release: "We are proud to be the first gaming platform to reach this important milestone within the EU," adding that "safety is at the heart of all our activities and we look forward to continuing our constructive collaboration with the European Commission."
OpenAI and Reddit did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
This article was first published by POLITICO in English, then edited in French by Jean-Christophe Catalon.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The European Commission will initiate formal compliance monitoring procedures for ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox within the next four months.
Very likely · Within months
OpenAI and Reddit will issue public statements regarding their DSA classification and compliance plans in the near future.
Likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- What specific systemic risks has the Commission identified for ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox?
- How will the Commission monitor compliance with the DSA obligations for these platforms?
- What are the potential operational changes these platforms may implement to meet DSA requirements?
