EC Designates ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox Under DSA

The European Commission has officially designated ChatGPT as a Very Large Online Search Engine (VLOSE), while Reddit and Roblox have been categorized as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) under the framework of the Digital Services Act (DSA). These specific designations follow declarations from the services themselves, confirming that they each reach at least 45 million average monthly users within the EU, thereby meeting the regulatory threshold for such classification.

Following these formal notifications, the companies now have a four-month window—until January 2027—to bring their operations into compliance with the more stringent DSA obligations reserved for VLOPs and VLOSEs. This includes the requirement to conduct thorough assessments and implement mitigation strategies for systemic risks. These risks range from the spread of illegal content and algorithmic biases to negative impacts on the well-being of minors, fundamental rights, public security, and the integrity of electoral processes.

Through these designations, the European Commission gains significant investigative authority to evaluate the underlying functionalities and related systems of these platforms. The Commission will oversee compliance in a collaborative effort with national regulators: Coimisiún na Meán will assist regarding ChatGPT, while the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) will cooperate on Reddit and Roblox. These bodies act as the Digital Services Coordinators for Ireland and the Netherlands, respectively, which are the jurisdictions where these services have established their regional headquarters.