OpenAI’s search engine continues to be a hot topic. Launched in 2024 as an extension of the well-known chatbot, ChatGPT Search is rapidly gaining European users, soon qualifying as one of the “very large platforms” regulated by the DSA.
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Surpassing 41 Million Users in Europe
It appears that ChatGPT Search has reached an average of 41.3 million active monthly users in the European Union over the six months leading up to March 31, 2025. This marks a significant increase from just 11.2 million users in October of the previous year. At this rate, the service is on track to exceed 45 million users this spring—a critical threshold under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which triggers a host of obligations for platforms considered of very large size
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Even though Google remains the dominant search engine, with traffic 373 times that of OpenAI’s offering, ChatGPT Search is making notable inroads. As of last September, 8% of internet users surveyed already preferred using ChatGPT Search over Google for their daily queries. The appeal of more natural, contextual, and concise responses is particularly compelling in an online world cluttered with raw data.
Unlike the original ChatGPT model, which relies on a closed database, ChatGPT Search uses real-time web queries to generate its responses. This hybrid approach merges the strengths of generative AI with the timeliness of online results—though it also brings increased challenges in terms of reliability and moderation.
The DSA in Review
As a reminder, the DSA imposes stringent rules on online services that reach over 10% of the European population. This includes greater transparency regarding algorithms, the option to disable personalized recommendations, and proactive efforts to combat misleading or illegal content. Independent audits and transparency reports are also required.
In the event of non-compliance, fines can go up to 6% of global turnover. A temporary suspension in Europe could even be considered for repeat offenders. Yet, ChatGPT Search has not been without its critics: according to a recent study, 67% of the articles displayed in its results are not properly identified, raising concerns about the tool’s reliability.
The outcome seems predictable, yet the question remains open. If OpenAI officially exceeds the 45 million monthly users mark in the EU, the company will have to comply with the DSA’s requirements, facing significant penalties otherwise. This represents another step in the regulation of artificial intelligence—and a turning point for a search engine that, despite its youth, is already beginning to impact the global digital landscape.