ChatGPT Search Growth in Europe - OpenAI Data

ChatGPT Search Experiences Rapid Growth in Europe

The ChatGPT search function, a capability developed by OpenAI that integrates current web data into the chatbot’s responses, is demonstrating significant expansion throughout Europe.

User Base Expansion

Recent reports submitted by OpenAI Ireland Limited, one of the company’s European entities, indicate that ChatGPT search reached approximately 41.3 million average monthly active users between October 31, 2023, and March 31, 2024.

This represents a substantial increase from the roughly 11.2 million average monthly active users recorded in the preceding six-month period, ending October 31, 2023.

Compliance with the Digital Services Act

OpenAI proactively releases data concerning ChatGPT search to ensure adherence to the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA).

The DSA governs numerous facets of online services within EU member states. It defines monthly active recipients as individuals who actively engage with a service, either by accessing information presented on the platform or by contributing information themselves.

Potential for Increased Regulation

The DSA mandates that “very large” online platforms and search engines – those exceeding 45 million average monthly recipients – provide users with options to disable recommendation systems and profiling.

Furthermore, these platforms are required to share specific data with researchers and regulatory bodies, and to undergo independent audits. Given the current trajectory, ChatGPT search may soon fall under these more stringent requirements.

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Failure to comply with the DSA’s regulations can result in penalties of up to 6% of a platform’s global revenue. Persistent non-compliance could even lead to a temporary suspension of operations within the EU.

Competition and Market Share

Since its introduction last year, ChatGPT Search has begun to challenge established players like Google. A survey conducted in September revealed that 8% of respondents would now prefer ChatGPT as their primary search engine.

However, Google continues to dominate the online search landscape, processing an estimated 373 times more searches than ChatGPT.

Accuracy and Reliability Concerns

Studies suggest that ChatGPT search and other AI-driven search engines may exhibit lower reliability compared to traditional search methods, depending on the nature of the query.

One investigation found that ChatGPT incorrectly identified the content of 67% of the articles it searched for. Another study highlighted inaccuracies in ChatGPT’s handling of news content, even including material from publishers with existing licensing agreements with OpenAI.