European Commission designates ChatGPT a Very Large Online Search Engine under the Digital Services Act
Bot Mutiny |
Summary
OpenAI, Reddit, and Roblox face stricter EU oversight after surpassing the 45 million monthly user threshold for Very Large platforms.
The European Commission announced new designations for major digital platforms on August 31, 2026. ChatGPT is now officially classified as a Very Large Online Search Engine (VLOSE) under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The new classification also applies to Reddit and Roblox, which the EU now considers Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs). This regulatory shift, as reported by The Verge, forces these companies to meet much higher standards for accountability and scrutiny. The European Union applies these rules once a platform or search engine reaches 45 million average monthly users within the region. ## Stricter compliance and risk mitigation
OpenAI, Reddit, and Roblox aren't just getting new labels. They're getting a massive compliance headache. Under the DSA, these companies are responsible for mitigating risks that affect the impact on minors and user mental health. They also have to actively work against the spread of illegal content. The European Commission's decision aims to address the influence these platforms have on citizens. Henna Virkkunen, the EU executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy, stated that the designations are in line with the large impact these services have on society. The official announcement makes it clear that the honeymoon phase for these platforms is over. They have until the end of December 2026 to bring their operations into full compliance with the law. ## Ad targeting and algorithm transparency
The DSA doesn't let platforms operate in the dark anymore. These companies are now restricted from targeting advertisements to minors. They're also banned from using sensitive personal data for ads. This includes a user's sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or political beliefs. Beyond advertising, the law demands transparency. OpenAI, Reddit, and Roblox must explain how their recommendation algorithms work. They can't just hide behind proprietary code when their systems decide what millions of people see or read. This isn't the first time the EU has targeted major tech firms. The commission previously ruled that Meta isn't doing enough to keep kids off Facebook and Instagram. Now, the crosshairs have moved to generative AI and social gaming. ## The 2026 deadline
OpenAI and the other newly designated firms have a hard deadline. By the end of 2026, they must prove they can handle the responsibilities that come with their scale. If they can't manage the risks to mental health or stop the spread of illegal content, the EU has the legal framework to act. The days of moving fast and ignoring the social fallout are coming to a close for the biggest players in the region.