OpenAI's ChatGPT is now subject to stricter regulatory oversight in the European Union after authorities classified it as a very large online search engine under Brussels' digital rules.
What Happened
EU regulators have determined that ChatGPT qualifies as a "very large online search engine" under the Digital Services Act, a designation that triggers enhanced compliance obligations. The classification places OpenAI's chatbot in the same regulatory category as search giants such as Google and Bing, requiring the company to conduct risk assessments, implement mitigation measures, and submit to independent audits of its AI system's potential harms.
Why It Matters
The move signals an intensifying effort by European authorities to apply existing digital regulations to generative AI products. For developers and companies building on large language models, this classification establishes a precedent that AI-powered search and conversational tools may face the same transparency, safety, and accountability requirements as traditional internet platforms. The designation could also influence how other jurisdictions approach AI governance.
The Bottom Line
OpenAI must now comply with DSA obligations designed for systemic online risks, marking a significant expansion of regulatory reach into the AI sector. The company joins Google and Microsoft Bing as the only AI services subject to these heightened EU oversight requirements.