Summary
Millions of websites can now block AI bots from accessing their content without permission, thanks to a new system from Cloudflare. The system aims to protect creators' work and allow websites to ask for payment from AI companies that use their content.
Key Facts
- Cloudflare, an internet infrastructure company, is rolling out a system to block AI bots, also known as crawlers, from accessing content without permission.
- This system affects millions of websites, including major news outlets like Sky News and The Associated Press.
- The system allows websites to charge AI firms a fee for using their content.
- Many creators have criticized AI companies for using their work without compensation, leading to disputes in the UK and the US.
- Cloudflare says the system is already active on a million websites.
- The technology will initially apply to new Cloudflare users and sites that have tried similar blocking efforts before.
- The "Pay Per Crawl" system being developed would enable content creators to request payment for their work used by AI firms.
- There is a debate over the need for stronger legal protections to support this technological solution.
