ChatGPT Search, the experimental AI-driven web search feature developed by OpenAI, is rapidly expanding its presence in Europe, according to new data disclosed under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA).
Between October 31, 2024, and March 31, 2025, the average monthly user base of ChatGPT Search in Europe surged to 41.3 million users, nearly quadrupling from 11.2 million during the prior six-month period. The figures were provided by OpenAI Ireland Limited, OpenAI’s EU-regulated entity, to comply with DSA transparency requirements.
📈 Nearing the Regulatory Threshold
The growth places ChatGPT Search just shy of the DSA’s 45 million user threshold, a critical point at which more stringent obligations are triggered. These would include:
- Clear opt-out mechanisms for recommendation algorithms and user profiling
- Data sharing with EU regulators and academic researchers
- External audits to ensure compliance
- Heavy financial penalties for non-compliance (up to 6% of global turnover)
Failure to meet these obligations could result in temporary suspension of the service within EU territories.
🔍 Still Far Behind Google, But Gaining Traction
Despite the rapid rise, ChatGPT Search remains far behind traditional players. Google continues to dominate the market, processing over 370 times more searches than OpenAI’s offering. Nonetheless, the AI-native interface is attracting attention for its conversational answers, integrated search summaries, and ability to perform tasks that go beyond typical search engine queries.
“This level of growth in such a short time underscores growing consumer interest in AI-based alternatives,” said a tech policy analyst at the Brussels-based Digital Future Forum.
However, critics caution that ChatGPT Search’s accuracy remains inconsistent. Studies cited in the TechCrunch report found that the tool misidentified or fabricated information in a significant portion of tested queries.
⚖️ Regulatory Pressure Builds
The EU’s Digital Services Act, which took effect in early 2024, was designed to promote transparency and accountability among Very Large Online Platforms (VLOPs). Crossing the 45-million-user mark would formally designate ChatGPT Search as a VLOP, placing it in the same regulatory category as platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
OpenAI has previously stated that it is committed to full DSA compliance and is building infrastructure to support transparency, safety, and content moderation.
“The challenge for OpenAI now is not just technical scalability, but legal scalability,” said a legal expert on EU data law. “Crossing the threshold will bring a whole new level of scrutiny.”
