ChatGPT and Reddit Designated Under EU's Strictest Online Safety Rules
ChatGPT and Reddit Face EU's Strictest Online Regulations
The European Commission has officially designated both ChatGPT and Reddit as "Very Large Online Platforms" (VLOPs) under the Digital Services Act (DSA), placing them among the most heavily regulated internet services in the European Union.
What This Means
The VLOP designation applies to platforms with more than 45 million monthly active users in the EU. Both ChatGPT and Reddit crossed this threshold, triggering obligations that include:
- Enhanced content moderation requirements
- Mandatory transparency reports on algorithmic systems
- Risk assessments for potential harms to users and society
- Independent audits of compliance
- Expanded accountability to EU authorities
Broader Regulatory Context
ChatGPT is notably the first AI chatbot to face these stringent requirements. The designation reflects the EU's effort to extend its digital safety framework beyond traditional social media platforms to cover generative AI services that have rapidly scaled to massive user bases.
Reddit, which recently went public, faces similar scrutiny as its European user base has grown substantially.
Compliance Timeline
Designated platforms must fully comply with the DSA's strictest obligations within four months of their designation. Failure to meet these requirements can result in fines of up to 6% of global annual revenue.
The move signals the EU's intent to apply consistent safety standards across different types of digital platforms, regardless of whether they are traditional social networks or AI-powered services.