EU designates ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox as major digital services under DSA

On August 31, 2026, the European Commission officially designated ChatGPT as a Very Large Online Search Engine (VLOSE), while Reddit and Roblox were classified as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs). This decision follows the platforms' disclosure that they each serve over 45 million monthly active users within the European Union, meeting the threshold required to trigger stricter regulatory oversight under the Digital Services Act (DSA).

As a consequence of this classification, the three services are now mandated to comply with enhanced obligations regarding transparency, accountability, and the assessment of systemic risks. Specifically, they must evaluate and mitigate potential harms related to the dissemination of illegal content, negative impacts on minors, risks to mental and physical well-being, and threats to fundamental rights or electoral processes. While most sources indicate a four-month compliance deadline—targeting late November 2026—one source suggests a deadline at the end of December 2026.

This move represents the first time an artificial intelligence service has been subjected to such rigorous EU oversight. National authorities, including digital service regulators, are now coordinating with the European Commission to ensure that these firms implement the necessary safety and operational standards to protect European users effectively.