ChatGPT Search, OpenAI’s AI-powered search tool, is experiencing a spectacular rise. In just six months, the number of monthly users has grown from 11.2 million to over 41 million, impressive growth that highlights the appeal of this technology.
However, this success could soon clash with strict European Union regulations, particularly the Digital Services Act (DSA).
ChatGPT Search: A Double-Edged Popularity
The DSA, which came into force to regulate digital services, imposes obligations on platforms regarding transparency, user protection, and compliance with very rigorous standards.
For “very large platforms,” those exceeding 45 million monthly users, the requirements are even stricter. With its current trajectory, ChatGPT Search could quickly cross this threshold, placing OpenAI under increased scrutiny.
While the company is experiencing rapid success since the popularization of ChatGPT, OpenAI will soon have to navigate the demanding, but mandatory, steps of European regulations. Beyond the AI ACT, the DSA is therefore also a factor to consider.
What are the consequences for OpenAI?
If ChatGPT Search reaches this status, OpenAI will have to comply with measures that could disrupt its current operations. These include:
- External audits to assess platform compliance.
- Data sharing with researchers to analyze the tool’s impact.
- Deactivation of personalized recommendations, a key feature of many AI systems.
These obligations, for which OpenAI is not yet fully prepared, could require a significant overhaul of ChatGPT Search. Moreover, the tool, still imperfect, sometimes suffers from errors in links or sources, which could complicate its compliance.
Read also: How do Europeans use generative AI? A survey reveals trends
Financial Penalties for Non-Compliance
The DSA does not take infringements lightly. In case of non-compliance, OpenAI faces fines of up to 6% of its annual revenue, potentially amounting to several million euros.
Such a penalty could curb the company’s ambitions, already facing the technical challenges of its rapidly growing tool.
OpenAI: Growth Under Pressure?
The growing popularity of ChatGPT Search is a feat, but it places OpenAI at a critical juncture. As the tool continues to attract millions of users, European regulations could impose major constraints, both technically and financially.
In the coming weeks, OpenAI will have to navigate carefully to reconcile innovation and compliance, lest its success story be hampered by the DSA’s requirements.
