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ChatGPT Designated Very Large Online Search Engine in EU

AI | The Verge· August 31, 2026 View original

Key takeaways

  • ChatGPT is now subject to the EU's Digital Services Act as a Very Large Online Search Engine.
  • OpenAI must implement measures to mitigate risks to minors, mental health, and illegal content.
  • The DSA restricts targeted advertising based on sensitive data and for minors.
  • This sets a significant regulatory benchmark for AI services in the EU.

Who benefits

AI DevelopmentTechnologyLegal & RegulatorySocial MediaDigital Advertising

Summary

The European Commission has classified ChatGPT as a Very Large Online Search Engine under the Digital Services Act (DSA), subjecting OpenAI to stricter regulations. These rules mandate mitigating risks related to minors, mental health, and illegal content, and restrict targeted advertising.

The European Union has significantly increased its regulatory oversight of OpenAI's ChatGPT, officially designating it as a "Very Large Online Search Engine" under the Digital Services Act (DSA). This classification places substantial new responsibilities on OpenAI, requiring the company to implement robust measures to address potential harms associated with its AI model. These include safeguarding minors, protecting user mental health, and actively combating the spread of illegal content across the platform. The DSA's provisions extend beyond content moderation, imposing strict limitations on advertising practices. Specifically, platforms like ChatGPT are now prohibited from targeting advertisements towards minors or using sensitive personal data such as sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, or political beliefs for ad targeting. This move underscores the EU's commitment to regulating major online services to ensure greater accountability and user protection within the digital space. Reddit and Roblox also received similar classifications.

Why it matters

This regulatory action by the EU sets a precedent for how large language models and AI services will be governed globally, directly impacting product development, data handling, and operational strategies for AI companies. Professionals need to understand these evolving compliance requirements.

How to implement this in your domain

  1. 1Conduct a thorough legal and compliance review of AI products and services against DSA requirements, especially regarding user safety and data privacy.
  2. 2Develop and implement enhanced content moderation policies and technical safeguards to mitigate risks related to minors, mental health, and illegal content.
  3. 3Review and adjust advertising strategies to ensure compliance with DSA restrictions on targeted ads, particularly concerning minors and sensitive personal data.
  4. 4Establish clear reporting mechanisms for users to flag problematic content and ensure timely responses.

Original post by AI | The Verge

"OpenAI will soon be held accountable for mitigating risks related to ChatGPT's impact on minors, user mental health, and the spread of illegal content in the European Union. That's because ChatGPT is now considered a Very Large Online Search Engine under the EU's Digital Services…"

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