EU Places ChatGPT, Reddit, Roblox Under Stricter Digital Rules

Science23 sourcesAug 31, 2026

UnscoredFactual rigor 50/100

The Story

The European Commission has placed OpenAI's ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox under its toughest level of online regulation.

On Monday, the Commission designated ChatGPT as a very large online platform, marking it as the first artificial intelligence chatbot to face such scrutiny. Reddit and the gaming network Roblox were also designated as "Very Large Online Platforms" (VLOPs). These designations apply because the platforms have over 45 million average monthly users in the European Union.

Under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which came into effect across the bloc in February, these companies must now assess and mitigate potential risks. These risks include illegal content, elections, public security, the protection of minors, users' mental health, and fundamental rights. ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox have four months to comply with these additional obligations. The DSA has previously been applied to other major companies, including TikTok and Meta.

What they agree on

The European Commission designated OpenAI's ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox under its strict digital rules on Monday.
ChatGPT is the first AI chatbot to be subjected to these tougher regulations under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
The designation applies to platforms with over 45 million average monthly users in the European Union.
These platforms must now assess and mitigate risks related to illegal content, protection of minors, and users' mental health.

Where they split

CNBC's most recent article focuses on unrelated user outages affecting Microsoft Outlook and OpenAI's ChatGPT Work, rather than the EU's regulatory actions.
Deutsche Welle and The Verge specifically highlight ChatGPT becoming the first AI chatbot to fall under the DSA's jurisdiction.
Le Monde and ABS-CBN News emphasize the four-month deadline for ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox to comply with the new obligations.
Politico Europe and Capital Brief frame the designation as placing the platforms under the EU's "strictest rules" or "toughest digital services rules."

The Spread

Consensus

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The coverage 23 sources

CenterABS-CBN NewsABS-CBN News (opens the publisher’s site)
CenterBloombergBloomberg (opens the publisher’s site)
CenterCapital BriefCapital Brief (opens the publisher’s site)
CenterCGTN (China Global Television Network)CGTN (China Global Television Network) (opens the publisher’s site)
CenterCNBCCNBC (opens the publisher’s site)
CenterCourthouse News ServiceCourthouse News Service (opens the publisher’s site)
CenterDaily SabahDaily Sabah (opens the publisher’s site)
CenterDeutsche WelleDeutsche Welle (opens the publisher’s site)
CenterEU ReporterEU Reporter (opens the publisher’s site)
CenterEUNewsEUNews (opens the publisher’s site)