The European Union is taking a tougher stance on Big Tech by bringing ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox under the scope of the Digital Services Act (DSA). This decision, prompted by these platforms surpassing the symbolic threshold of 45 million monthly users in the European space, places them under increased scrutiny. Now classified as "very large online platforms" or "very large search engines," these tech tools must comply with stringent requirements by the end of the year, or face financial penalties of up to 6% of their global turnover.
The decision to classify ChatGPT as a search engine highlights a major shift in user behavior. Brussels acknowledges that conversational agents are gradually supplanting traditional search tools for information access. This reclassification imposes heavy obligations on these companies, particularly regarding illegal content moderation, algorithmic transparency, and minor protection. These measures aim to mitigate the systemic risks associated with these technologies, as generative AI tools become central to citizens' daily lives.
Beyond this regulation, a zone of political tension is emerging between Brussels and Washington. While the United States frequently criticizes the severity of the European legislative framework, viewing it as a barrier to innovation and free speech, the European Commission is holding its ground. It points to precedents, such as the fine imposed on AliExpress, to demonstrate that the DSA is applied indiscriminately, whether dealing with Chinese or American actors. The goal is clear: to assert digital sovereignty based on accountability, regardless of a company's geographical origin.
The compliance process due by the end of December represents a technical and ethical challenge, especially for OpenAI. The company must now prove that its safety measures, such as the version of ChatGPT dedicated to teenagers, meet European standards—which are often more rigorous than the groups' internal policies. Beyond the DSA, this move is part of a broader regulatory arsenal, complemented by the AI Act, marking a transition where the responsibility of these companies shifts from that of a host to that of a publisher, fully liable for the content and responses generated by their systems.