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EU Puts ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox on Notice: New Digital Rules Apply

The European Commission has officially added OpenAI's ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox to its list of "very large online platforms" under the Digital Services Act (DSA). This means these services now face the strictest regulatory requirements in the EU, a clear signal that the bloc is extending its digital oversight into the realm of generative AI.

Each of these platforms boasts over 45 million monthly active users in the EU, crossing the threshold that triggers enhanced scrutiny. With this designation, they are now obligated to take more aggressive steps to remove illegal content, protect minors' privacy and safety, and be more transparent about their algorithms. If they fail to comply, they could be hit with fines amounting to 6% of their global annual revenue—a hefty price for non-compliance.

The EU has been laying the groundwork for this expansion. Earlier, the AI chatbot Grok, integrated into X (formerly Twitter), was already under investigation for potential DSA violations. Now, with ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox officially in the crosshairs, they must complete all necessary compliance adjustments by the end of this year. This move underscores the EU's determination to keep a tight rein on high-risk online services and emerging AI tools.

For users, this could mean more visible content moderation, clearer reporting mechanisms, and stronger age verification processes. For the companies, it's a race against time to align their operations with the DSA's demands. The clock is ticking, and the stakes are high.

Key Points

  • Designation: ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox are now classified as "very large online platforms" under the EU's Digital Services Act.
  • Obligations: They must remove illegal content, protect minors, and ensure transparency, with a deadline by the end of the year.
  • Penalties: Non-compliance can lead to fines up to 6% of global annual revenue.
  • Context: This follows earlier scrutiny of X's Grok, showing the EU's proactive stance on AI regulation.