The European Commission has classified ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox as very large online services under the Digital Services Act. ChatGPT has been designated a very large online search engine, while Reddit and Roblox have been designated very large online platforms. Each has reported at least 45 million average monthly users in the European Union.

They will have four months to comply with the additional obligations. They will be required to assess and mitigate the risk of the spread of illegal content, as well as negative impacts on minors and the physical or mental well being of users.

The rules also require them to mitigate threats to fundamental rights, electoral processes and public safety.

The European Commission will oversee compliance with the Digital Services Act. It will also gain investigative powers that will allow it to examine the operation of individual services.

Under European legislation, ChatGPT is considered a hybrid service that qualifies as an online search engine because it can respond to users’ queries, including by searching the web. The gaming service Roblox and the discussion forum Reddit are classified as online platforms because they allow users to publish and distribute third party content.

(Reuters, bak)