ChatGPT is facing increased scrutiny in the European Union after being classified as a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) under the Digital Services Act (DSA). Aside from OpenAI’s platform, Reddit and Roblox have also been put on the same list. The act applies to the services with at least 45 million average monthly EU users. The platforms under this act are expected to provide greater clarity about how their systems operate, including how information and recommendations are presented to users. Here’s everything you need to know about the Digital Services Act and what the EU Council expects from ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox to comply with.
Services are considered very large when they reach at least 45 million average monthly users in the EU, and as a result of that, the EU’s Digital Services Act sets additional requirements for online services with a large user base. With its new status, ChatGPT will now face stronger expectations around how it handles risks linked to children, mental health and illegal content.
Not only that but OpenAI will also have to provide greater transparency around how its service works and how information is presented to users. Aside from the Sam Altman-led OpenAI, the European Commission has also classified Reddit and Roblox as Very Large Online Platforms. Hence, the two services are also under the same broad set of stronger EU requirements.
According to the EU Council, the rules are designed to give users more information about how platforms operate and to reduce risks that can affect people, particularly children and other vulnerable users.
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The Digital Services Act places limits on certain advertising practices. The rules clearly state that the platforms cannot target advertisements at minors. Aside from that, the rules also restrict the use of sensitive personal information such as sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity and political beliefs for advertising purposes.
Companies are also instructed to be more open about how their recommendation systems work. All these things ensure that the users and regulators have a clearer view of why certain content is shown to them or the users.
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ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox have been given until the end of December 2026 to meet the requirements linked to their new designations. Moreover, EU executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy Henna Virkkunen also said that the designations would bring a higher level of scrutiny and accountability because of the services’ large influence on European citizens and society.