EU labels ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox as very large online platforms
ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox will have a bigger regulatory headache from now on.
Image by Cybernews.
- The European Commission designated ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox for stricter oversight under the Digital Services Act.
- Platforms with more than 45 million monthly EU users must follow extra safety and transparency rules.
- The companies must explain moderation, label ads clearly, avoid deceptive designs, and allow annual independent audits.
- They must assess risks such as disinformation and potential harm to users’ physical and mental well-being.
Key Takeaways by nexos.ai, reviewed by Cybernews staff.
On Monday, the European Commission designated ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox as very large platforms or search engines, meaning they’ll have to implement additional measures to protect users.
As of yesterday, ChatGPT is labeled as a Very Large Online Search Engine (VLOSE). Reddit and Roblox have received the Very Large Online Platform (VLOP) label.
According to the Digital Services Act (DSA), a European law that aims to make the internet safer and more transparent for users, online platforms with over 45 million monthly users in the EU are considered VLOSEs or VLOPs and must comply with additional rules.
For starters, they must have systems in place for reporting illegal or harmful content. They also have to be able to explain how content is moderated and how users can challenge moderation decisions.
In addition, it must be crystal clear when a piece of content is an advertisement or a paid advertorial. Deceptive interfaces to manipulate users, also known as dark patterns, are forbidden.
Lastly, the biggest players face extra requirements, including assessing and mitigating potential systemic risks to users, such as the risk that their algorithmic systems could spread disinformation, as well as risks to users’ physical and mental well-being.
To determine whether VLOSEs and VLOPs meet their DSA obligations, they must undergo an independent audit every year.
Stay updated with our latest stories and follow us on social media
Be the first to discover new stories, ideas, and updates from our team.
“These new designations mean that ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox will now be held to a higher standard of scrutiny and accountability in the European Union, in line with their large impact on our citizens and society,” Henna Virkkunen, executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security, and democracy, says in a statement.
“We continue to watch the digital landscape closely and will not hesitate to designate any platform that meets the threshold for enhanced supervision under the Digital Services Act,” Virkkunen promises.
ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox were already subject to the general obligations applicable to online platforms and search engines under the DSA.
As of yesterday, the European Commission has designated a total of 28 companies as very large online platforms and search engines, including AliExpress, Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Zalando.
