At Phiture, we have written a more digestible and comprehensible breakdown of what has changed, why it happened, and what these tech platforms need to do next to comply with the updates to this regulation.
EU Digital Services Act: ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox Face Strict New Rules
The European Commission has formally classified three major digital services under its top-tier regulation within the Digital Services Act (DSA).
ChatGPT is now designated as a Very Large Online Search Engine (VLOSE).
Reddit and Roblox are designated as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs).
This modification of the classification of these digital tech giants puts these three services into the highest tier of EU oversight alongside platforms like Google, Apple, Meta and TikTok.
Why Were They Designated?
Under the DSA rules, any online platform or search engine operating in the EU that crosses the threshold of 45 million average monthly active users falls into the VLOP or VLOSE category.
All three companies (ChatGPT, Reddit, Roblox) submitted user figures confirming they exceed this threshold across the EU’s member states.
What Do These Classifications Mean?
The EU categorizes platforms based on how users interact with them:
ChatGPT (VLOSE – Hybrid AI Model): Unlike standard conversational tools, ChatGPT is recognized now as an AI-driven hybrid system where users enter queries to receive synthesized information, functioning as a modern alternative to traditional search engines like Google Search and Bing.
Reddit & Roblox (VLOPs – Content & Interaction Hubs): These platforms operate similarly to closed ecosystems, such as social networks or digital store hubs like Apple’s App Store and Google Play. Users upload, share, play, and interact within self-contained environments, raising specific concerns around user content, moderation of the community, and child safety.
What Must They Do Now?
These designated platforms (ChatGPT, Roblox, Reddit) have been given a strict 4-month transition window to align with the DSA obligations, until the enforcement of those guidelines begins in January 2027.
The key actions they must take include:
Risk Assessment and Algorithmic Oversight: The companies must thoroughly audit their algorithms to identify and reduce risks. This covers preventing the spread of illegal content, guarding against manipulation of public matters, and protecting fundamental human rights by avoiding biased information.
Protecting Minors and User Well-Being: Platforms must implement robust safeguards to protect the mental and physical well-being of young users, something that particularly impacts Roblox and Reddit.
Strict Enforcement & Local Coordination: The European Commission will directly supervise these companies, coordinating with national Digital Services Coordinators in the EU countries where each company maintains its legal representation: the Coimisiún na Meán for ChatGPT in Ireland, and the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) for Reddit and Roblox in the Netherlands.
Summary Recap:
Platform
EU Classification
Meaning of its Classification
Primary Needed Focus under DSA
ChatGPT
Very Large Online Search Engine (VLOSE)
It is recognized as an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system and an online search engine.
Algorithm transparency, accurate information synthesis, systemic risk assessment.
Reddit
Very Large Online Platform (VLOP)
Is recognized as a discussion-based platform that enables users to create and share content within communities.
It is defined as an immersive gaming and creation platform that enables users to create, publish, and play games developed by other users.
Child safety, protection of underage users, and physical and mental well-being safeguards
What Is Coming Up Next?
Before the end of 2026, we will have more news coming from the EU legislation. A new round of the AI Omnibus Legislation will be discussed in the European Parliament (EP), as they will hold several discussions and votes regarding the broader Digital Omnibus track, impacting GDPR, the Data Act, the Privacy track, and several other digital acts.
