Technology
EU designates ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox under strict Digital Services Act rules
The European Commission designated the platforms after each surpassed 45 million monthly active users in the bloc, triggering heightened risk mitigation requirements.
The short version
- The European Commission designated ChatGPT as a Very Large Online Search Engine, while Reddit and Roblox were designated as Very Large Online Platforms under the Digital Services Act.
- The companies must comply with stricter EU oversight within four months after each surpassed 45 million average monthly users in the bloc.
- The rules mandate risk assessments regarding illegal content, minor safety, and mental health, while banning targeted advertising directed at minors or based on sensitive personal data.
- Non-compliant platforms face potential fines of up to 6 percent of their global annual revenue.
Key facts
- The European Commission classified OpenAI's ChatGPT as a Very Large Online Search Engine and Reddit and Roblox as Very Large Online Platforms under the Digital Services Act.[Engadget · The Verge · Ars Technica · Deutsche Welle]
- The designations were triggered because each platform exceeded the threshold of 45 million average monthly users in the EU.[Engadget · Deutsche Welle]
- The designated platforms have four months to comply with stricter rules under the Digital Services Act.[Engadget]
- The framework requires platforms to mitigate risks concerning illegal content, protecting minors, mental health, and electoral processes.[Engadget · The Verge · Ars Technica · Deutsche Welle]
- Requirements include closer European Commission supervision, annual independent audits, mandatory data sharing with authorities, and researcher access to platform data.[Engadget]
- The Digital Services Act prohibits targeted advertising aimed at minors or based on sensitive personal data such as sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, or political views.[The Verge]
- Failure to comply with the regulations can result in financial penalties of up to 6 percent of a company's global annual turnover.[Ars Technica]
- ChatGPT is the first AI chatbot to fall under the jurisdiction of the Digital Services Act.[Deutsche Welle]