EU Designates ChatGPT as a 'Very Large Search Engine'... Expands Platform Regulation to AI

The European Union (EU) has designated OpenAI's ChatGPT as a regulated entity under the Digital Services Act (DSA), marking the first time an AI chatbot has received such status. As the Trump Administration in the United States continues to oppose the EU’s regulation of big tech, concerns are growing that ongoing European oversight of American tech companies could further escalate tensions between the two sides.

Reuters Yonhap News Agency

On August 31 (local time), the European Commission classified ChatGPT as a “Very Large Online Search Engine (VLOSE)” under the DSA. Additionally, Reddit and Roblox were categorized as "Very Large Online Platforms (VLOP)."

As a result of these measures, ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox now face additional obligations, including removing illegal content and protecting the personal data and safety of minors. Failure to comply may result in fines of up to 6 percent of their global turnover. Since all three services have more than 45 million monthly users within the EU, they are now subject to stricter regulation under the DSA. They are required to fulfill these new obligations by January next year.

The Financial Times (FT) pointed out that this decision demonstrates the EU’s ongoing expansion of the DSA’s scope to include generative AI. Henna Virkkunen, EU Commissioner responsible for technology, explained, “Given the significant impact that ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox have on EU citizens and society, they will be subject to increased scrutiny and greater responsibility going forward.”

OpenAI and Reddit announced that they have begun preparations to meet these new regulatory requirements and will work in cooperation with EU authorities. Joost Hagesteijn, Head of Europe at Roblox, reiterated in a statement that “Safety is a core principle for the company” and that they will continue to maintain constructive engagement with the European Commission.

The EU has also commenced full-scale enforcement of the world’s first Artificial Intelligence Act, which governs AI development. In addition, it is expanding antitrust investigations into a broad range of AI services. Currently, the EU is examining whether Google’s “AI Overview” feature has violated EU competition law.

Meanwhile, international media outlets have noted that this designation could deepen the rift with the United States. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that, even as U.S. President Donald Trump pushes back against what he views as unfair targeting of American companies by European regulation, EU authorities remain steadfast in their oversight of large tech firms.

The FT also reported that the United States is protesting not only substantial European fines imposed on American companies such as Elon Musk’s social networking service X (formerly Twitter), but also arguing that Europe’s regulatory approach unfairly targets U.S. firms and infringes upon the freedom of expression—a core principle championed by the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.