Website Blocks Users Suspected of Automated Activity

A major news publisher is flagging user accounts for potential automated behavior, citing terms and conditions that prohibit data mining. The move aims to protect content from unauthorized collection.

Content Protection Measures

News Group Newspapers Limited has implemented a system designed to identify and restrict access for users exhibiting automated behavior. This action is rooted in the company’s published terms and conditions, which explicitly forbid the collection or text mining of its service content through any automated means, whether direct or via intermediaries.

Inquiries for Commercial Use

For organizations interested in the commercial application of the publisher’s content, a dedicated email address, crawlpermission@news.co.uk, has been provided for inquiries. This channel is specifically for those seeking permission for broader usage of the published material.

Addressing Potential Misidentification

The system occasionally misinterprets legitimate human interaction as automated. Individuals who believe they have been mistakenly flagged are encouraged to reach out to the customer support team via email at help@thesun.co.uk for resolution.

Policy on AI and Machine Learning

The publisher reiterates its prohibition against automated access, collection, and text or data mining of its content. This policy specifically includes data intended for AI and machine learning development, reinforcing the company’s stance on intellectual property protection as outlined in their terms and conditions.

In 2023, global internet traffic from bots accounted for an estimated 47.1% of all web traffic, highlighting the ongoing challenge of distinguishing automated activity from human users (Semrush).