ChatGPT becomes first AI chatbot to face tougher EU rules

The European Union has classified ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox as digital services requiring enhanced legal oversight due to their substantial influence on citizens and society. This marks the first instance of an AI chatbot facing such stringent regulations. Henna Virkkunen, the EU's technology chief, announced the decision, emphasizing the platforms' significant societal impact.

The "very large" designation applies to platforms and search engines with over 45 million monthly active users in the 27-nation bloc, a threshold these three have recently met. The Digital Services Act (DSA) mandates that these entities assess and mitigate systemic risks linked to their services and algorithms, including illegal content dissemination, negative effects on minors and users' well-being, fundamental rights, electoral processes, and public security.

To qualify for the DSA's regulatory umbrella, the commission categorized ChatGPT as a search engine. Experts note that this move could set a precedent and influence regulatory expectations for all major generative AI systems in the EU. The EU's increasing regulatory enforcement against prominent digital platforms, including American ones, continues despite U.S. pushback.

Recent actions include ordering TikTok to change its design or face heavy fines and imposing a €120 million fine on Elon Musk's social media platform X for violating transparency obligations and other violations.