Growth of ChatGPT Search Functionality in Europe
The search function of ChatGPT, which allows the chatbot to access fresh information online, is rapidly gaining traction in Europe. According to a report from OpenAI Ireland Limited, as of March 31, 2025, the average number of active users of this feature reached 41.3 million per month. In comparison, the previous six months saw only 11.2 million. This information is reported by TechCrunch.
OpenAI releases this data in accordance with the EU Digital Services Act (DSA), which regulates the operations of major online platforms in Europe. Under this law, services with more than 45 million active users per month must allow for opting out of recommendation algorithms, provide access to certain data for researchers and authorities, and undergo external audits. If current growth rates continue, ChatGPT Search may fall under these requirements.
Violating DSA regulations can result in fines of up to 6% of the company's global turnover or even a temporary ban on operations within the EU.
Despite its rapid growth, ChatGPT Search is still far from being a market leader like Google. Estimates suggest that the number of searches on Google is hundreds of times greater than those on ChatGPT. Surveys indicate that only 8% of users are willing to use ChatGPT as their primary search engine.
Additionally, ChatGPT Search has its drawbacks, particularly concerning accuracy. Research shows that it often makes mistakes when searching for articles or processing news, even with access to licensed sources.
