The European Union has placed ChatGPT under stricter digital oversight, making it the first AI chatbot to be classified under the bloc’s strictest online-service rules.

The European Commission announced on Monday that ChatGPT was classified as a Very Large Online Search Engine (VLOSE) under the Digital Services Act (DSA).

The decision means OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, will face additional obligations aimed at addressing risks associated with the service and its impact on users across the European Union.

The Commission said ChatGPT qualified for the classification because of its ability to respond to users’ queries and access information from the internet, placing it within the DSA’s definition of an online search engine.

Under the new requirements, OpenAI will be expected to conduct regular assessments of potential systemic risks linked to the service, including the spread of illegal content, protection of minors, effects on users’ wellbeing, fundamental rights and electoral processes.

The company will also be subject to greater transparency requirements, independent assessments and increased monitoring by EU regulators.

The European Commission said ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox had all crossed the threshold for the new category after recording more than 45 million monthly users in the EU.

Reddit and Roblox were separately classified as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs).

The three services have four months to meet the additional requirements introduced under the rules.

The EU’s move forms part of its broader effort to hold the largest digital services accountable for risks associated with their operations and influence.

Failure to comply with the DSA can attract significant financial penalties, with the rules allowing fines of up to six per cent of a company’s global annual turnover.

The Commission said the latest classifications bring the number of services under the DSA’s strictest regulatory tier to 28.