ChatGPT has crossed a major regulatory threshold in Europe, triggering tougher requirements for OpenAI.
The European Commission said on August 31 that the AI chatbot now attracts more than 45 million average monthly users in the EU.
As a result, ChatGPT now falls under additional obligations set out in the European Union’s Digital Services Act.
Under the new requirements, OpenAI must assess risks surrounding the platform and take steps to address issues involving illegal content, children, users’ wellbeing, fundamental rights, elections and public security.
OpenAI now has four months to meet the new requirements.
The consequences could be significant if the company fails to comply. Serious violations can attract a fine of up to 6% of OpenAI’s worldwide annual turnover.
The move gives European regulators greater oversight of one of the world’s biggest AI services and adds another layer to the EU’s growing push to regulate powerful digital platforms.