## OpenAI’s ChatGPT Search Sees Rapid Adoption in Europe, But Accuracy Lags
ChatGPT search, the feature integrated into OpenAI’s chatbot that allows it to access and synthesize real-time web information, is experiencing significant growth in Europe. Data released by OpenAI indicates a surge in usage, driven in part by compliance requirements under the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA).
According to an OpenAI Ireland Limited report, ChatGPT search boasted approximately 41.3 million average monthly active “recipients” in the six months leading up to March 31, 2025. This marks a substantial increase from the 11.2 million average monthly active recipients reported for the prior six-month period, ending October 31, 2024.
The DSA, which regulates online services within the EU, defines monthly active recipients as individuals who engage with a service at least once a month, either through viewing or providing information. The rapid growth positions ChatGPT search to potentially fall under stricter DSA regulations applied to “very large” online platforms, defined as those with over 45 million average monthly recipients. These regulations mandate allowing users to opt out of recommendation systems and profiling, data sharing with researchers and authorities, and external auditing. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines, up to 6% of global turnover, and potential temporary suspension within the EU.
While ChatGPT search presents itself as a challenger to established search engines like Google, its accuracy remains a point of concern. Although a September poll suggested that 8% of people would choose ChatGPT over Google as their primary search engine, Google still dominates the market, handling significantly more search queries.
Moreover, research indicates that ChatGPT search, along with other AI-powered search engines, can be less reliable than traditional methods. One study revealed that ChatGPT incorrectly identified a staggering 67% of searched-for articles. Further investigation has highlighted accuracy issues specifically related to ChatGPT’s handling of news content, even from publishers with licensing agreements with OpenAI.
Despite its growing popularity, the question of accuracy remains a significant hurdle for ChatGPT search. While the platform’s growth in Europe suggests a strong user appetite for AI-powered search, addressing reliability concerns will be crucial for its long-term success and ability to truly compete with established search giants.