EU Puts ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox Under Strictest Digital Services Act Rules

The European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA) is designed to regulate online platforms and improve digital safety for users in the region. The law introduces special requirements for online services that reach at least 45 million monthly users in the EU.

In recent years, platforms like ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox have seen rapid growth in their European user bases. According to [Bloomberg Technology](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-08-31/chatgpt-reddit-rddt-roblox-rblx-face-eu-digital-services-act-rules), all three services recently surpassed the 45 million user threshold, which automatically triggers the EU's strictest regulatory standards.

On August 31, 2026, the European Commission announced that ChatGPT would be classified as a Very Large Online Search Engine, while Reddit and Roblox would be recognized as Very Large Online Platforms under the DSA. This marks the first time an AI chatbot such as ChatGPT has received this designation, according to The Next Web and Deutsche Welle.

This classification means these platforms must conduct annual risk assessments, take stronger action against illegal content, and introduce new protections for minors. Enhanced transparency is also required, including external audits and opening up data for regulators and researchers, as reported by Euronews and Franceinfo.

The Commission gave the companies a four-month deadline to comply with the new rules. Outlets including Silicon Republic and Engadget noted that failure to meet these obligations could lead to heavy fines.

These changes reflect the EU's growing focus on the influence of digital platforms and the need to address issues such as user privacy, misinformation, and the safety of younger users.

As of September 2026, ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox are officially under the European Union's strictest digital regulations. They are now required to comply with enhanced standards on content moderation, risk assessment, and user protection by January 2027, according to TechRadar and Techmeme.

This move puts them alongside other major tech services operating in Europe. The platforms must act quickly to adapt their operations or risk significant penalties from EU regulators.

The main question is how ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox will meet the EU's requirements within the four-month compliance window. Regulators will be watching for changes in moderation practices, risk reporting, and transparency measures.

If the companies fail to meet the new rules by the January 2027 deadline, they could face fines of up to 6 percent of their global annual turnover, as reported by TechRadar. This period will test both the platforms' ability to adapt and the EU's resolve to enforce its digital safety standards.