OpenAI's ChatGPT growth puts it under stricter EU scrutiny, with Reddit, Roblox

The European Commission has designated OpenAI's ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox as "Very Large Online Platforms" under the Digital Services Act, subjecting them to the EU's strictest regulatory tier as of late August 2026. The classification applies to services exceeding 45 million active users across the bloc. The move places these platforms under enhanced compliance obligations while competitors like Anthropic's Claude avoided the highest tier, suggesting their user bases remain below the threshold or they operate under different structural arrangements.

The DSA's toughest category triggers more rigorous content moderation requirements, transparency mandates, and compliance audits. For platforms already managing significant regulatory pressure, the designation increases operational complexity and compliance costs in one of the world's largest markets.

• ChatGPT crossed the 45 million EU user threshold, triggering mandatory placement in the DSA's highest regulatory category alongside Reddit and Roblox.
• Anthropic's Claude escaped the toughest tier, indicating either smaller EU adoption or different platform classification.
• The designation brings enhanced moderation, transparency, and audit requirements for affected services operating in Europe.