In recent months, the evolution of AI technologies has been accelerated by the dramatic rise of ChatGPT’s search feature, now widely accessed across Europe. According to a report from OpenAI, monthly active users utilizing ChatGPT search have skyrocketed to approximately 41.3 million for the period ending March 31, 2025, showcasing a staggering increase from around 11.2 million just six months prior. This meteoric growth can be attributed to OpenAI’s ongoing commitment to enhance user experience and comply with stringent EU regulations, particularly the Digital Services Act (DSA), which mandates transparency and accountability from online platforms.
The DSA defines active users as individuals who interact with a platform at least once during a specified timeframe. As part of these regulations, ‘very large’ platforms with over 45 million users must incorporate additional measures for user control over their data and algorithms. Given the current trajectory, ChatGPT may soon fall under these tougher compliance requirements, highlighting its critical place in the competitive landscape dominated by traditional search engines like Google.
Recent studies paint a complex picture. While ChatGPT search demonstrates impressive growth, researchers have voiced concerns about its reliability compared to conventional search engines. Reports indicate that AI-powered search tools, including ChatGPT, can misidentify content up to 67% of the time, which underscores the need for continual enhancement and scrutiny in AI application.
Moreover, a poll revealed that 8% of respondents would prefer ChatGPT over Google, yet Google remains the most utilized search engine, driving 373 times more searches than ChatGPT. Even though ChatGPT is making strides in user engagement, it faces significant challenges regarding content accuracy and credibility.
As the AI landscape transforms, keeping an eye on updates related to compliance and user satisfaction will be crucial. The recent developments indicate not only a surge in usage but also a call for improved practices regarding AI-based knowledge dissemination. For deeper insights into this evolving scenario, readers can explore articles on AI frameworks and how ChatGPT aligns with EU regulations. Furthermore, understanding the implications of the DSA on major platforms is essential as we navigate this changing digital environment.