OpenAI’s ChatGPT Search Usage Skyrockets 269% in Europe

The race for AI-powered search dominance is heating up in Europe, and OpenAI’s ChatGPT Search is sprinting ahead. New data from OpenAI Ireland Limited reveals a jaw-dropping surge in users, jumping from 11.2 million monthly active users in late 2024 to a staggering 41.3 million by March 2025. That’s a 269% spike in just six months!

Why Europe Can’t Get Enough of ChatGPT Search

Unlike traditional search engines that spit out a list of links, ChatGPT Search delivers direct, conversational answers, almost like asking a tech-savvy friend. This convenience is winning over European users, especially younger crowds who prefer quick, summarized responses over sifting through pages of results.

But here’s the catch: OpenAI isn’t just growing for fun. The company must report these numbers to comply with the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), a strict rulebook for big tech firms. Once a platform crosses 45 million monthly users, it faces tougher rules like letting users opt out of AI profiling and sharing data with regulators. ChatGPT Search is dangerously close to hitting that threshold.

The Google Factor: Can AI Search Really Compete?

Let’s be real, Google isn’t sweating yet. The search giant still processes 373 times more queries than ChatGPT Search. But that 8% of users who’d pick ChatGPT over Google (per a September 2024 poll) is a warning shot. If AI keeps improving, Google’s throne might wobble.

However, reliability remains a hurdle. Studies show ChatGPT Search flubs 67% of article citations and struggles with news accuracy even with licensed publisher content. For now, it’s a handy sidekick, not a Google killer.

What’s Next?

If growth continues, OpenAI could face DSA fines (up to 6% of global revenue) or even an EU suspension for non-compliance. But with users flocking in, the bigger question is: Will AI search finally rewrite the rules?

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