Commission Expands DSA Oversight to ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox

The European Commission has designated ChatGPT as a Very Large Online Search Engine (VLOSE) under the Digital Services Act (DSA). At the same time, Reddit and Roblox were designated as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs). Each service reported reaching at least 45 million average monthly active recipients in the European Union, meeting the statutory threshold for designation.

The designations trigger the DSA’s enhanced obligations for the three services. Following notification, ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox have four months, until January 2027, to comply. Their obligations include identifying, assessing, and mitigating systemic risks linked to their services and algorithmic systems.

The required risk assessments cover the dissemination of illegal content, potential adverse effects on minors, physical and mental well-being, fundamental rights, electoral processes, and public security. The services must also provide greater transparency and implement effective mitigation measures proportionate to the risks identified.

The Commission will hold direct supervisory and investigative powers over compliance with the VLOP and VLOSE regime. It will work with Ireland’s Digital Services Coordinator, Coimisiún na Meán, in relation to ChatGPT, and with the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets for Reddit and Roblox.

ChatGPT was classified as a VLOSE because it operates as a hybrid service: it responds to user prompts and may search the web. Reddit and Roblox qualify as online platforms because they enable users to disseminate third-party content publicly. With these additions, the Commission has designated 28 very large online platforms and search engines under the DSA.