EU designates ChatGPT, Reddit, Roblox as very large platforms

The European Commission on Monday formally designated ChatGPT, Reddit ↘ 1.33%, and Roblox ↗ 0.73% as "very large" online platforms or search engines under the Digital Services Act, subjecting all three to the bloc's most demanding tier of digital oversight.reuters+1

Each service declared that it reaches at least 45 million monthly users in the EU, crossing the threshold that triggers the stricter classification. The companies now have four months — until the end of January — to comply with additional obligations covering risk assessment, illegal content mitigation, transparency, and user safety.yahoo+1

A First for AI

ChatGPT becomes the first AI chatbot to be classified as a search engine by the EU, joining only Google and Microsoft's ↗ 2.68% Bing in the "very large online search engine" category. Reddit and Roblox were designated as very large online platforms because their users can publish or distribute third-party content to the public.businessoutreach+2

An OpenAI spokesman said: "ChatGPT search operates as a search service under the DSA, and we are preparing to meet the additional compliance requirements that come with this Very Large Online Search Engine designation".yahoo

Henna Virkkunen, the EU's tech chief, said the designations mean the three services "will now be held to a higher standard of scrutiny and accountability in the EU, in line with their large impact on our citizens and society".yahoo

What Compliance Requires

Under the stricter framework, the services must assess and mitigate risks of illegal content spreading through their platforms, address negative effects on minors, and limit threats to fundamental rights, electoral processes, and public security. The European Commission gains direct supervisory and investigative powers over the designated services.thehindubusinessline+1

Protection of minors will be a particular focus for Roblox, where children and teenagers form a substantial part of the audience. Reddit will face scrutiny over how its systems moderate and recommend communities and posts.businessoutreach

Enforcement Teeth

Non-compliance can ultimately result in fines of up to 6 percent of a company's worldwide annual turnover. OpenAI reported $13 billion in annual revenue in 2025, suggesting a potential fine could reach roughly $780 million, according to The Telegraph.yahoo

The EU has already demonstrated willingness to enforce the DSA. In July, it charged AliExpress a record €550 million for allowing the sale of illegal products, and in 2025 it fined X €120 million over its blue-tick verification system.yahoo