ChatGPT Search Booms in Europe, OpenAI Reports
European Users Embrace ChatGPT’s Web Search Feature
OpenAI’s ChatGPT Search feature, which enables the AI chatbot to retrieve and integrate current web information into responses, is experiencing rapid adoption across Europe. Recent regulatory filings reveal explosive growth in the region’s user base.
Staggering User Growth Statistics
According to data from OpenAI Ireland Limited, ChatGPT Search averaged 41.3 million monthly active users in Europe during the six months ending March 31. This represents a 269% increase from the 11.2 million average users reported for the period ending October 31, 2024.
EU Digital Services Act Compliance
The reported figures stem from OpenAI’s obligations under the EU Digital Services Act (DSA), which defines active users as individuals who either view content or provide information through the platform. The DSA imposes strict requirements on large online platforms operating in Europe.
Approaching Regulatory Thresholds
With its current growth trajectory, ChatGPT Search may soon cross the DSA’s 45 million user threshold for “very large” platforms. This classification would require OpenAI to:
- Offer opt-out options for recommendation systems
- Share data with researchers and authorities
- Submit to external audits
Non-compliance could result in fines up to 6% of global revenue or potential EU service suspension.
ChatGPT Search vs. Traditional Search Engines
Since its October 2024 launch, ChatGPT Search has emerged as a credible alternative to Google Search, with 8% of respondents in one survey indicating they’d choose it as their primary search engine. However, Google still processes approximately 373 times more searches than OpenAI’s offering.
Accuracy Concerns Persist
While gaining popularity, studies highlight reliability issues with AI-powered search:
- 67% incorrect article identification rate in one study
- Accuracy problems with licensed news content
- 60% incorrect answer rate for some AI search engines
As ChatGPT Search continues its European expansion, OpenAI faces both significant opportunities in the search market and growing challenges around accuracy and regulatory compliance.