The European Commission has classified ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox as very large online platforms under the Digital Services Act, placing all three services under the European Union’s strictest online-safety obligations.
Each service surpassed 45 million monthly users in the EU, the threshold that triggers enhanced scrutiny. They now have until the end of December to meet added requirements, including stronger processes for removing illegal content and protecting minors’ privacy and security. Failure to comply can lead to fines of up to 6 percent of global revenue.
The designation extends the DSA further into generative AI. OpenAI told the Financial Times that it was preparing for the additional requirements, while the Commission is already investigating xAI’s Grok under the same law. The EU is also beginning enforcement of its separate AI Act and examining whether Google’s use of AI overviews violates competition rules.
The immediate consequence is that ChatGPT will be regulated not only as an AI product but also as a large online service whose content and recommendation risks must be assessed. The decision applies regardless of where a company is based, despite continuing pressure from Washington over EU enforcement against American technology groups.