EU labels ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox with its toughest online rules

The European Commission has classified ChatGPT as a Very Large Online Search Engine while naming Reddit and Roblox as Very Large Online Platforms under the Digital Services Act.

ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox cross the 45 million monthly user threshold in the EU. All three services have now surpassed an average of 45 million monthly active users across the bloc. That milestone automatically triggers the most stringent obligations within the DSA framework.

Officials disclosed the updated status on August 31, 2026. The three additions bring the total number of services carrying very-large designations to 28.

New rules focus on illegal content, minors and electoral processes. The label demands far tighter oversight of each platform’s algorithms and content-moderation practices. Regulators will pay particular attention to the spread of illegal material, potential harm to minors and any effects on democratic elections.

Brussels will also intensify its supervisory role. Covered services must hand over data to the Commission and national authorities when requested, undergo yearly independent audits and grant qualified researchers access to internal information under defined conditions.

Platforms receive four months to achieve compliance. ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox will each have four months to align with the heightened requirements. Henna Virkkunen, the EC’s executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy, said in a press release that “These new designations mean that ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox will now be held to a higher standard of scrutiny and accountability in the European Union, in line with their large impact on our citizens and society.”

WhatsApp received the same designation earlier this year, joining Facebook and Instagram. The Commission contacted OpenAI, Reddit and Roblox for comment and will update its reporting if responses arrive.