EU Reportedly Set to Designate ChatGPT and Roblox as 'Very Large Online Platforms'
The European Union is reportedly preparing to expand its list of designated "Very Large Online Platforms" (VLOPs) to include ChatGPT and Roblox, according to recent reports.
The VLOP designation falls under the Digital Services Act (DSA), the EU's landmark legislation governing online platforms. Platforms labeled as VLOPs—defined as those with more than 45 million monthly active users in the EU—face significant regulatory requirements aimed at curbing illegal content and protecting users.
ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, has seen massive adoption across Europe since its launch, likely pushing it above the VLOP threshold. Roblox, a gaming platform particularly popular with younger users, similarly appears to have reached the user base necessary for VLOP status.
Companies designated as VLOPs must comply with a range of obligations, including conducting annual risk assessments, providing researchers with data access, implementing robust content moderation systems, and offering users the ability to report illegal content. They also face increased transparency requirements regarding their algorithms and advertising practices.
The move would bring these platforms into line with other major tech companies already designated as VLOPs, including Meta, Google, TikTok, and Amazon. Non-compliance with DSA requirements can result in fines of up to 6% of a company's global annual turnover.
The designations are expected to be formalized in the coming months, after which the platforms will have a transition period to come into compliance with their new obligations.