Data: ChatGPT Search Experiences Rapid Growth in Europe

AIbase基地

Published inAI News · 4 min read · Apr 22, 2025

According to a recent OpenAI report, ChatGPT's search function has experienced phenomenal growth in Europe. ChatGPT search allows users to retrieve up-to-date web information via a chatbot, integrating this information into its responses.

OpenAI Ireland Limited, OpenAI's EU subsidiary, reported that the average monthly active users of ChatGPT search reached approximately 41.3 million in the six months ending March 31st of this year. This represents a significant increase from the 11.2 million users recorded in the six months ending October 31st, 2024.

ChatGPT

To comply with the European Union's Digital Services Act (DSA), OpenAI regularly publishes user data regarding ChatGPT search. The DSA aims to regulate various aspects of online services in European countries. It defines "monthly active users" as those who have used the service at least once during a specific period. The continued growth of ChatGPT search users may trigger certain DSA requirements, such as allowing users to opt out of recommendation systems and sharing specific data with researchers. Furthermore, the DSA mandates regulation of very large online platforms, with non-compliance potentially leading to fines of up to 6% of global turnover or even temporary suspension within the EU.

Since its launch, ChatGPT search has gradually posed a challenge to traditional search engines like Google. Although a survey showed 8% of users prefer ChatGPT as their primary search tool, Google still dominates the search market, handling 373 times more searches than ChatGPT. However, research has revealed that ChatGPT search's accuracy is lower than traditional search engines, depending on the search query. One study indicated a 67% error rate in ChatGPT's ability to correctly identify articles in search results. Another study highlighted accuracy issues with ChatGPT's handling of news content, including content from publishers with licensing agreements with OpenAI.

Key takeaways:
🌍 ChatGPT search user numbers in Europe surged from 11.2 million to 41.3 million, showing remarkable growth.
📜 OpenAI's compliance with the EU's Digital Services Act may lead to stricter user data and privacy requirements.
🔍 While ChatGPT search is gaining popularity, its accuracy lags behind traditional search engines for certain content.

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