EU classifies ChatGPT as a very large online search engine and tightens requirements

In addition to ChatGPT, the Commission also classified the online platform Reddit and the gaming platform Roblox as very large online platforms. All three services surpassed the threshold of 45 million monthly users and are thus subject to the extended obligations of the Digital Services Act as well as the AI Act. The EU Commission published the decision on Monday in Brussels.

With the new classification, the affected companies must, among other things, carry out risk assessments of their systems, document their algorithms, and regularly report to the supervisory authority. Violations can be punished with heavy fines. For providers of very large AI models, the law also stipulates that training data and model capacities must be disclosed.

What does the classification mean for OpenAI?

For OpenAI, the classification means a significant expansion of compliance burdens. Until now, ChatGPT was treated predominantly as a general AI tool; now the Commission is expressly assigning the service to the category of online search engines. This categorization follows from the way the product works, answering user queries in real time and accessing large amounts of current information from the web in the process.

The EU Commission had repeatedly emphasized in recent months that it is relying on risk-based supervision in enforcing the AI Act. With the classification of ChatGPT, the authority makes clear that even purely consumer-oriented AI applications fall under the strictest rules once they reach a certain reach. Observers see the step as a signal to the industry to align itself with the requirements at an early stage.

Impact on Roblox and Reddit

Roblox, described in the EU documents as "the gaming platform Roblox, which is particularly popular among young people," has repeatedly come under criticism in recent years over security and child protection issues. The classification as a very large online platform obligates the company, among other things, to carry out an independent risk assessment and to cooperate with supervisory authorities.

Reddit, which is known above all for its discussion-based subforums, must in the future also meet stricter transparency requirements. These include disclosing how content is sorted and recommended, as well as measures against the dissemination of illegal content. The EU Commission sees the classification as a contribution to strengthening digital fundamental rights.

Next steps by the EU Commission

With the decision, the number of very large online services falling under tightened EU supervision continues to grow. Just last year, large social networks and messaging services, among others, were classified into this category. The Commission announced that it would update the list regularly and review newly added services promptly.