OpenAI will soon face stricter obligations in the European Union after ChatGPT was classified as a Very Large Online Search Engine under the EU's Digital Services Act. The designation, reported by The Verge, means the company must take steps to mitigate risks tied to the chatbot's impact on minors, user mental health, and the spread of illegal content.
The Digital Services Act is a set of laws regulating major online services in the EU. With this classification, ChatGPT joins the ranks of platforms that must meet heightened accountability requirements. The Verge's report, published on 2026-08-31, did not specify a timeline for when the new obligations take effect.
New obligations under the DSA
Under the Digital Services Act, Very Large Online Search Engines face additional responsibilities to address systemic risks. For ChatGPT, these risks include potential harm to minors, effects on user mental health, and the dissemination of illegal content. OpenAI will be expected to implement measures to mitigate these issues within the EU.
The exact requirements are not detailed in the report, but the classification signals a shift in how AI-powered services are treated under European regulation. The Verge notes that OpenAI will be "held accountable" for these risks, indicating a formal enforcement mechanism.
What this means for OpenAI
The classification adds a layer of regulatory oversight to ChatGPT's operations in the EU. OpenAI will need to align its practices with the DSA's expectations, which could involve changes to content moderation, user safeguards, and reporting procedures. The company has not yet publicly responded to the classification, according to the report.
As a Very Large Online Search Engine, ChatGPT may also face periodic audits or transparency requirements, though the source does not specify these details. The move reflects the EU's broader effort to apply existing digital rules to emerging AI technologies.
The road ahead
The immediate next step is for OpenAI to determine how it will comply with the DSA's obligations. The report does not state a deadline or a specific enforcement date, leaving open the question of when the new rules will be applied in practice. Observers will likely watch for OpenAI's response and any adjustments to ChatGPT's functionality in the EU.