ChatGPT to face tougher regulation in the EU

THE NEWS

What happened

OpenAI's ChatGPT is now classified as a 'Very Large Online Search Engine' under the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), alongside Reddit and Roblox. This designation subjects the platform to stricter regulations regarding ad targeting for minors, transparency of recommendation algorithms, and mitigation of risks related to user mental health and illegal content distribution within the European Union.

CONTEXT

Why it matters

Major shift in AI regulation: OpenAI's ChatGPT is now officially designated as a 'Very Large Online Search Engine' under the EU's Digital Services Act. This places it in the same regulatory category as Reddit and Roblox. Key implications for users: - Stricter limits on advertising targeting, especially for minors. - Prohibition on using sensitive data like political beliefs or religion for ads. - Mandatory transparency regarding recommendation algorithms. - Deadline for full compliance: December 2026. The EU aims to hold these giants to a higher standard of accountability due to their significant societal impact. This sets a precedent that could influence how AI models are governed globally.

AT A GLANCE

Key facts

• ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox are designated as 'Very Large Online Platforms' under the EU's Digital Services Act.
• The DSA restricts platforms from targeting ads to minors or using sensitive personal data like sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or political beliefs.
• Platforms must provide greater transparency regarding how their recommendation algorithms function.
• A platform is considered 'Very Large' if it has at least 45 million average monthly users in the EU.
• ChatGPT and its peers have until December 2026 to comply with these new rules.