ChatGPT is an EU Search Engine: New Regulations Explained

The European Commission has designated ChatGPT as a Very Large Online Search Engine. This also applies to Reddit and Roblox, which are now considered Very Large Online Platforms under the Digital Services Act. All three have until the end of December 2026 to comply with these new rules. ChatGPT is the first generative AI chatbot to receive this designation. The Digital Services Act is an EU law that dictates how online services must handle illegal and harmful content. It applies to the biggest services, which have over 45 million monthly users. OpenAI declared about 159 million users for ChatGPT's search function. These companies must now produce a written assessment of the systemic risks their products create. This includes how their service could spread illegal content or harm users. They then have to act on these findings, potentially changing product design or recommendations. An independent auditor will check this annually. This designation means these platforms face stricter regulations to ensure user safety and content moderation.