ChatGPT search is rapidly growing in Europe, according to OpenAI data
ChatGPT search's monthly users in Europe surged to 41.3M, up from 11.2M.
According to recent data from OpenAI Ireland Limited, the ChatGPT search feature is rapidly gaining traction across Europe. As of March 31, 2025, it reported 41.3 million average monthly active recipients, marking a substantial rise from the 11.2 million users recorded by October 31, 2024. This growth has positioned ChatGPT search as a significant player in the European AI-powered search engine landscape, challenging established incumbents like Google. The feature allows ChatGPT to access updated web information, enhancing its response capabilities.
The compliance requirements under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA) are particularly pertinent as ChatGPT search approaches the 45 million user threshold. Current DSA stipulations necessitate large platforms or services to implement options for user opt-out of recommendation systems and profiling, in addition to sharing specific data with researchers. If ChatGPT's growth continues as anticipated, it will soon need to meet these obligations. Any failings in compliance could lead to considerable financial penalties, amounting to up to 6% of a company's global revenue or even result in service suspension within the EU.
Despite its growing popularity, ChatGPT search faces challenges regarding reliability and accuracy. Research has indicated that, compared to traditional search engines, AI-driven searches like ChatGPT sometimes underperform. Specific studies highlight that ChatGPT inaccurately identified the content of 67% of articles examined, and other findings point to issues with news content management, even when agreements exist between OpenAI and content publishers. These limitations underscore the need for ongoing improvement to compete effectively with established search engines.
Notably, a September poll revealed that 8% of users would prefer ChatGPT as their primary search engine over Google, indicating a shift in user preference despite Google's continued dominance. Google remains a formidable competitor, reportedly processing 373 times more search requests than ChatGPT. While Google’s market leadership is unchallenged at present, the evolving landscape of AI technologies illustrates potential for more diverse user preferences and increased competition over time.
In conclusion, ChatGPT search's growth trajectory in Europe signifies both opportunity and regulatory challenges. As OpenAI navigates compliance with the DSA, it must also address issues of search accuracy and user trust to sustain and expand its user base. The ongoing development and adaptation within the AI search engine sector promise further shifts in the dynamic online service industry landscape.
Sources: OpenAI, EU Digital Services Act FAQ, Tibor Blaho via Twitter