BRUSSELS — ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox have been designated as 'very large online platforms' under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), requiring compliance with stricter obligations within four months.
The European Commission confirmed the designations on Monday, citing each platform’s monthly user base of at least 45 million within the EU. The threshold triggers additional regulatory scrutiny under the DSA, which aims to curb illegal content, protect minors and limit risks to fundamental rights and public security.
ChatGPT has been classified as an online search engine under the DSA framework, while Roblox and Reddit are categorized as online platforms facilitating the dissemination of third-party content. The Commission emphasized that designated services must assess and mitigate risks associated with illegal content, harm to minors and adverse effects on users’ physical and mental wellbeing.
Compliance measures include enhanced transparency, risk mitigation strategies and the allowance for EU authorities to supervise platform functionalities. The Commission retains investigative powers to assess adherence to the DSA, ensuring platforms take proactive steps to address identified risks.
Failure to comply may result in penalties, including fines of up to 6% of global annual revenue under the DSA’s enforcement provisions. The designations reflect the EU’s expanding regulatory reach over digital services, with further designations expected in the coming months as additional platforms meet the user threshold.
