ChatGPT’s search feature is quickly becoming popular in Europe. Recent data reveals a huge spike in the number of users turning to OpenAI’s AI search engine. Is this a threat to Google?
The Boom
According to a report from OpenAI Ireland Limited, the number of people actively using ChatGPT search in Europe has nearly quadrupled in just six months.
| Time Period | Period |
| May 1 – Oct 31, 2024 | 11.2 million |
| Nov 1, 2024 – Mar 31, 2025 | 41.3 million |
That’s not a small jump. It’s the kind of growth most tech products only dream about. But what counts as an “active user”?
Under the European Union’s Digital Services Act (DSA), this means someone who either:
- Views or listens to information shared on the platform
- Interacts with the platform by inputting or receiving information
Therefore, this isn’t just people clicking around out of curiosity. These are engaged users who rely on ChatGPT to search for information.
Also read: OpenAI Launched SearchGPT
Why Are So Many Europeans Switching?
- Real-time info: ChatGPT search pulls fresh data from the web. No more worrying if the answer is outdated.
- Conversational feel: Instead of a list of links, you get straight-to-the-point answers in plain English.
- Curiosity and novelty: AI is hot. People want to test new tools, and some are sticking around.
What the Digital Services Act Has to Do with It
Now here’s where things get more interesting. The DSA was introduced to keep big tech companies in check, especially when it comes to transparency and user protection.
Here’s what happens when a platform crosses 45 million active users in the EU:
- It gets labeled a Very Large Online Platform (VLOP)
- It has to allow users to opt out of personalized content
- It must share data with regulators and researchers
- It undergoes external audits
- It faces stricter rules around how it operates
At 41.3 million users, ChatGPT search could get the attention of the DSA. If it keeps growing, OpenAI will need to follow these new rules or face serious fines.
| Rule Trigger (Monthly Active Users) | ChatGPT Search (Mar 2025) | Status |
| 45 million | 41.3 million | Nearly there |
Could Google be Replaced?
Google is still king. A September 2024 survey showed only 8% of people would pick ChatGPT over Google as their go-to search tool.
| Platform | User Preference (Poll) |
| 92% | |
| ChatGPT Search | 8% |
Even if ChatGPT search isn’t taking Google’s crown yet, it is carving out a niche, especially among younger users and techies.
There’s also the issue of accuracy. Researchers found that ChatGPT search got things wrong 67% of the time when asked to find specific articles.
Even when the AI had access to content it was licensed to use, it sometimes misquoted or misunderstood it.
