EU to Implement Stricter Regulations for ChatGPT

OpenAI is set to face new responsibilities regarding the risks associated with ChatGPT, particularly concerning its effects on minors, user mental health, and the dissemination of illegal content within the European Union. This shift comes as ChatGPT is classified as a Very Large Online Search Engine under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), which governs significant online services and platforms.

In addition to ChatGPT, the European Commission has identified Reddit and Roblox as Very Large Online Platforms, placing them under the same regulatory framework. The DSA prohibits these platforms from targeting advertisements to minors and from utilizing personal attributes such as sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or political beliefs for ad targeting. It also mandates greater transparency regarding the functioning of their recommendation algorithms.

Platforms and search engines are deemed “Very Large” when they achieve a minimum of 45 million average monthly users in the EU. ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox have until the end of December 2026 to align with these regulations.

Henna Virkkunen, the EU executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security, and democracy, stated that these new classifications will subject ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox to increased scrutiny and accountability in the EU, reflecting their significant influence on citizens and society.