The search feature of ChatGPT, which allows the chatbot to access current data from the internet, is showing remarkable growth in Europe. According to the latest report from OpenAI Ireland Limited, the average number of users actively utilizing this function reached 41.3 million monthly in the six months leading up to March 31, 2025. In comparison, the previous half-year figure was only 11.2 million. This was reported by TechCrunch.

OpenAI provides such data in accordance with the EU Digital Services Act (DSA), which regulates the operations of large online platforms in Europe. Under this law, services with over 45 million active users per month must allow opt-outs from recommendation algorithms, provide access to certain data for researchers and authorities, and undergo audits by external parties. Should the current growth rate continue, ChatGPT Search may fall under these requirements.

Violating DSA rules could lead to fines of up to 6% of the company's global turnover or even a temporary ban on operations in the EU.

Despite its rapid growth, ChatGPT Search is still far from being a market leader — Google. Estimates suggest that the number of search queries on Google far exceeds those of ChatGPT by hundreds of times. Surveys show that only 8% of users are willing to use ChatGPT as their primary search engine.

Additionally, ChatGPT Search has its drawbacks, particularly regarding accuracy. Research indicates that it often makes mistakes when searching for articles or processing news, even when it has access to licensed sources.