EU places ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox under stricter digital oversight

Monday 31 August 2026 - 18:45

By: Azzat Manal

EU places ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox under stricter digital oversight

The European Union has placed OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox under its highest level of digital platform scrutiny, bringing the three services within a stricter regulatory framework under the Digital Services Act (DSA).

The European Commission announced the designations on Monday, classifying ChatGPT for the first time as a “very large” online platform and treating the artificial intelligence chatbot as a search engine for the purposes of the DSA.

The designation applies to online platforms and search engines with more than 45 million monthly active users in the European Union. According to figures reported to the European Commission, ChatGPT had more than 159 million users across the bloc at the end of March. Reddit reported more than 57 million users, while Roblox counted approximately 46.6 million active users.

EU technology commissioner Henna Virkkunen said the three platforms would face greater scrutiny and accountability because of their significant influence on European users and society.

Under the new status, the companies have four months to meet additional obligations. These include identifying and reducing systemic risks linked to illegal content, the protection of minors, users’ physical and mental well-being, fundamental rights, electoral processes and public security.

OpenAI said it was preparing to comply with the additional requirements, while Roblox welcomed its designation and described itself as proud to become the first gaming platform to receive the “very large” classification in the EU.

The decision comes as Brussels continues to strengthen oversight of major technology companies. Around 30 digital services are currently subject to enhanced monitoring under the DSA, including platforms operated by Google, Apple, Microsoft, TikTok, X, Amazon and Shein.

The European Union has increasingly relied on the DSA to address potential risks created by large online platforms and to increase transparency and accountability in the digital sector. Companies that fail to comply can face substantial penalties, with fines potentially reaching 6% of their worldwide annual turnover.

In cases involving serious and repeated violations, the EU can also consider stronger measures affecting a company’s ability to operate within the European market.

The latest designations are particularly significant for artificial intelligence. By bringing ChatGPT under the DSA’s framework as a search engine, the European Commission is establishing an important regulatory precedent for large generative AI services operating across the bloc.

The EU has also introduced the AI Act, a separate regulatory framework designed to govern artificial intelligence according to potential risks. The two regulatory regimes can therefore impose different but complementary obligations on major AI platforms.

The move highlights the EU’s broader strategy of increasing regulatory pressure on powerful digital services, particularly those with large user bases and significant influence over public life, while seeking to strengthen protections for European consumers and citizens.