ChatGPT and Reddit now face EU's toughest online safety rules

The European Union has classified ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs), placing them in an enhanced regulatory tier alongside major companies like Google, Facebook, TikTok, and Amazon. To qualify, these platforms must have at least 45 million monthly average users within the EU, which is equivalent to 10% of the bloc's population.

ChatGPT alone had approximately 120 million monthly users in the European Union in September 2025, surpassing the threshold by March 2026. Reddit and Roblox each have 57 million and 48 million monthly EU users respectively, positioning them near the limit. These VLOPs will face stricter regulations encompassing illegal content dissemination, impacts on minors, user well-being, fundamental rights, electoral processes, and public security.

Moreover, they will have to adhere to more stringent transparency and reporting requirements, with the European Commission overseeing their operations. As noted by EVP Henna Virkkunen, ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox will now be subject to heightened scrutiny and accountability in the European Union, with compliance expected by January 2027.