The European Commission now classifies ChatGPT as a Very Large Online Platform under the DSA, which means OpenAI will have to do more to protect users.
The European Commission is setting its sights on ChatGPT. OpenAI’s popular chatbot now carries the status of Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) according to the categorization of the Digital Services Act. From now on, OpenAI must more strictly monitor illegal content created and distributed with the chatbot.
The ‘promotion’ of ChatGPT should come as no surprise. The DSA legislation looks, among other things, at the number of users to determine the level of rules a platform must comply with. It is unclear exactly how many users ChatGPT has in Europe, but by the end of 2025, there were more than 120 million on a monthly basis. 45 million active users is the threshold to be considered a VLOP.
Chatbots in the crosshairs
OpenAI will need to take more measures to protect its users, and particularly minors. For instance, it must prevent the spread of illegal content as effectively as possible. In the context of AI applications, one might think of deepfakes that can discredit people.
Thanks to Grok, AI chatbots are coming under increased scrutiny from regulators, separate from the AI Act that entered into force at the beginning of August. X’s chatbot has its share of controversy. All platforms owned by Elon Musk repeatedly flout European legislation.
Fortunately, ChatGPT’s exploits are not as extreme, although the chatbot already has a bit of a track record. For example, the chatbot reportedly encouraged users who used it as a psychologist to commit suicide. OpenAI will have to protect its users against this type of abuse. If it fails to do so sufficiently, it risks fines of up to six percent of global annual turnover.
Reddit and Roblox
Reddit and Roblox will also receive VLOP status from now on. The same obligations apply to these platforms. Companies are generally not very happy when they are subjected to stricter legislation, but Roblox told the Financial Times that it is ‘proud to be the first gaming platform to reach that milestone.’
OpenAI has not yet commented. Recently, WhatsApp was among those added to the VLOP list.