ChatGPT becomes first AI chatbot to face tougher EU rules

Brussels has designated ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox as very large online platforms, subject to stricter safety rules after adding the AI chatbot to a list of digital services facing greater legal scrutiny. Henna Virkkunen, the EU technology chief, explained that this designation applies to platforms and search engines with over 45 million monthly active users in the 27-nation bloc.

The three platforms now have four months to comply with additional obligations under the Digital Services Act (DSA). This legislation, which is a significant tool in the EU's arsenal against Big Tech, includes assessing and mitigating systemic risks related to illegal content dissemination, minors' well-being, fundamental rights, electoral processes, and public security.

Lena-Maria Boswald, a German tech analyst, noted that this move would set a precedent and influence the regulatory expectations for all large generative AI systems used in the EU. OpenAI already faces risk-management obligations under the AI Act, but the DSA could expand its scope. The increased oversight will also apply to Roblox, a gaming platform, and Reddit, the popular online forum.

This comes as the EU has stepped up regulatory enforcement against major digital platforms, including American ones, despite U.S. pushback and threats of retaliation. Recently, the EU ordered TikTok to change its addictive design or face heavy fines, and last year, it imposed a 120-million-euro fine on Elon Musk's social media platform X for breaching transparency obligations and other violations.