ChatGPT becomes first AI chatbot to face tougher EU rules

The European Union has designated ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox as "very large" online platforms, subjecting them to stricter safety regulations due to their significant impact on citizens and society. This marks the first time an AI chatbot, Reddit, and a gaming platform have faced such scrutiny. EU technology chief Henna Virkkunen stated that the three platforms will now be held to a higher standard of accountability under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which applies to services with over 45 million monthly active users.

The platforms have four months to comply with additional obligations, including assessing and mitigating systemic risks, such as the dissemination of illegal content and negative effects on minors, physical and mental well-being, fundamental rights, electoral processes, and public security. Lena-Maria Boswald, from the German tech think tank Interface, believes this move will set a precedent and influence regulatory expectations for all large generative AI systems in the EU.

The EU's intensified regulatory enforcement against major digital platforms, including American ones, has faced US pushback and retaliatory measures, such as a proposed TikTok fine for allegedly addictive design features and a €120 million fine for Elon Musk's X platform for violating transparency obligations and other violations.