Archive · 31 Aug 2026
EU Places ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox Under Stricter DSA Rules
The European Union is giving ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox extra online safety rules.
The rules apply because each service reported at least 45 million monthly users in the EU.
ChatGPT is treated as a very large online search engine because it can answer questions and search the internet.
Reddit and Roblox are treated as very large online platforms because people can publicly share content there.
The services have four months to follow the new requirements.
They must look for illegal content and risks to children, health, rights, elections and public safety.
They must try to reduce those risks and undergo independent checks at least once a year.
They must also share certain information with regulators and approved researchers and provide more transparency about advertising and recommendations.
The European Commission designated ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox under the EU’s strictest Digital Services Act rules.
ChatGPT was classified as a Very Large Online Search Engine, while Reddit and Roblox were classified as Very Large Online Platforms.
All three services reported at least 45 million monthly users in the European Union.
The services have four months, through the end of November, to meet additional obligations.
The rules require risk assessments, protections for minors and wellbeing, independent audits, data sharing and greater transparency.
- Who
- The European Commission designated ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox.
- What
- The three services were placed under stricter Very Large Online Platform or Very Large Online Search Engine obligations under the Digital Services Act.
- When
- The announcement was made Monday, August 31, 2026; the services have four months to comply.
- Where
- Within the European Union.
- Why
- Each service reported at least 45 million monthly users in the EU, meeting the threshold for the designation.
- Regulator
- European Commission
- Law
- European Union Digital Services Act
- Designated services
- ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox
- Classifications
- ChatGPT is a Very Large Online Search Engine; Reddit and Roblox are Very Large Online Platforms
- Reported EU users
- ChatGPT averaged approximately 159 million monthly active users over six months; Reddit reported around 57.2 million monthly users and Roblox roughly 48 million
- Compliance deadline
- Four months after designation, extending to the end of November
- Additional obligations
- Annual systemic-risk evaluations, mitigation measures, an internal compliance function, independent audits and responses to audit recommendations
- Transparency requirements
- Data sharing with regulators and vetted researchers, a non-profile-based recommender option and a publicly accessible advertising repository
