Cyprus’ Radio Television and Digital Services Authority is monitoring developments following the European Commission’s decision to place ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox under enhanced EU supervision.
Acting as Cyprus’ national Digital Services Coordinator, the authority said it is working with the relevant European and national bodies to ensure the effective implementation of the regulatory framework.
Platforms exceed EU user threshold
On 31 August, the European Commission designated ChatGPT as a Very Large Online Search Engine (VLOSE) and Reddit and Roblox as Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs) under the Digital Services Act.
Each service reported at least 45 million average monthly users in the EU, meeting the threshold required for designation.
Stricter transparency requirements
The classifications bring increased requirements concerning transparency, accountability and the management of systemic risks.
The services must assess and mitigate risks linked to:
- The spread of illegal content
- The protection of minors
- Users’ physical and mental wellbeing
- Fundamental rights
- Electoral processes
- Public safety
The Commission’s enhanced supervision will also include the power to investigate the functions and systems supporting the services.
Why ChatGPT is classified as a search engine
The Commission describes ChatGPT as an artificial intelligence system that interacts with users and responds to prompts and questions while also being able to search for information online.
It is therefore considered a hybrid service and has been classified as an online search engine.
Reddit operates as a discussion platform where users create and share content within topic-based communities, while Roblox functions as a gaming and user-generated content platform.
Joint EU and national supervision
Enforcement of the Digital Services Act is carried out jointly by the European Commission and the Digital Services Coordinators of EU member states.
The Cyprus authority said the stricter supervision and accountability requirements applying to services with such a wide reach would increase transparency around their operations and algorithmic systems while strengthening user protection.
Source: CNA
