EU Designates ChatGPT, Reddit, Roblox as VLOPs

The European Commission has officially categorized ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) under the Digital Services Act (DSA). This classification places these popular digital services under the European Union's most stringent online safety regulations. The directive mandates that platforms with over 45 million monthly active users within the EU must comply with enhanced regulatory obligations, with full adherence required by the close of December.

This decision marks a significant expansion of the DSA's regulatory scope, now encompassing prominent generative AI services and widely used gaming platforms. Companies designated as VLOPs are now faced with strict requirements, which include the systematic removal of illegal content and the implementation of robust privacy and security measures, especially those designed to protect minors.

Compliance and Accountability Standards

Failure to meet these newly imposed standards can lead to substantial financial penalties. Enterprises found in non-compliance could incur fines reaching up to 6 percent of their total global annual revenue. Henna Virkkunen, a senior EU technology official, highlighted that ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox are now expected to demonstrate a heightened level of accountability, reflecting their considerable influence on citizens across the bloc.

OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has indicated it is preparing to address these additional compliance requirements. Roblox issued a statement expressing its anticipation of continued constructive engagement with the European Commission. Reddit, however, did not provide an immediate response when contacted for comment regarding its new designation.

Broader Digital Governance Efforts

These latest designations align with the European Union's broader initiatives in digital governance. The bloc has concurrently begun enforcing its comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Act, a pioneering regulatory framework designed to oversee the development and deployment of various AI technologies. Moreover, the Commission has launched competition investigations into other AI services, including X's chatbot Grok and Google's AI overviews, indicating a wide-ranging scrutiny of the sector.

European officials consistently affirm that the Union's digital governance standards apply uniformly to all entities operating within its jurisdiction, irrespective of their corporate headquarters. This position has been underscored by recent enforcement actions, such as a €550 million fine levied in July against the online marketplace AliExpress for failing to prevent the sale of illicit products on its platform. The consistent application of these rules reinforces the EU's commitment to establishing a standardized and secure digital environment for its users and fostering fair competition.