ChatGPT search recorded an average of 185.6 million monthly active users in the European Union for the six-month period ending September 30, 2026. This figure represents an increase of 26.5 million users compared to the previous reporting period, which ended on March 31, 2026, with 159.1 million users.
The growth trend for the search feature has been consistent over the past two years. User numbers rose from approximately 11.2 million in October 2024 to 41.3 million by March 2025, reaching 120.4 million by September 2025. The current data specifically tracks web search capabilities rather than general chatbot interactions.
On August 31, 2026, the European Commission designated ChatGPT as a Very Large Online Search Engine under the Digital Services Act. This classification applies to platforms exceeding 45 million average monthly users in the EU, a threshold ChatGPT search has consistently surpassed since at least March 2026.
The designation requires OpenAI to conduct systemic risk assessments and implement transparency measures regarding illegal content and public discourse. The company must achieve full compliance within four months of the August notification, setting a deadline for late December 2026 or early January 2027.
