EU Designates ChatGPT, Reddit, Roblox as VLOPs After 45 Million-User Threshold

3 articles · Updated · Ars Technica · Aug 31

ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox were added to the EU’s very large online platform list on Monday, bringing them under the Digital Services Act’s toughest oversight.
45 million monthly EU users triggered the designation, which requires the services to remove illegal content and strengthen protections for minors’ privacy and security.
Up to 6% of global revenue is at stake if they fail to comply, and all three platforms have until the end of December to meet the new obligations.
The move extends the DSA further into generative AI as Brussels tests how its existing online-safety rules apply to fast-evolving AI services; X’s Grok is already under investigation.

Sources

Left17%

Center33%

Right50%

Ars Technica46m ago

EU Designates ChatGPT, Reddit, Roblox as VLOPs Under Digital Services Act

The Wall Street Journal46m ago

EU Subjects ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox to Stricter Digital Services Act Scrutiny - WSJ

News9 LIVE1m ago

ChatGPT named very large search engine in EU as Reddit, Roblox face new rules | Artificial Intelligence News - News9live

16 Sources

With the EU treating AI like a search engine, will ChatGPT be forced to fundamentally change how it interacts with users globally?

As Europe cracks down on digital giants, will these strict child safety rules become the new standard for the rest of the world?

Could the threat of massive fines finally force platforms like Reddit and Roblox to kill highly addictive features like infinite scrolling?

45 Million EU Users: Why ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox Now Face the EU’s Toughest Digital Rules

Overview

On August 31, 2026, the European Commission moved ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox into the strictest Digital Services Act (DSA) tier after they surpassed 45 million monthly EU users. ChatGPT was classified as a Very Large Online Search Engine due to its web-searching capabilities, requiring OpenAI to ensure ranking transparency and submit to audits. Reddit and Roblox, as Very Large Online Platforms, must assess algorithmic risks and protect minors. These companies have until January 2027 to comply, facing fines up to 6% of global turnover for violations. High compliance costs may lead US tech firms to limit these protections to EU users, creating a fragmented experience.

...