The debate on how to manage the rise of AI bots is no longer only a technical issue, but also economic. In recent months, editors and owners of websites have raised the voice in the face of the increase in Scraping (automated tracking that copy content without authorization). Now, Akamai Technologies has decided to step forward and has announced two strategic alliances that could change the rules of the game.
The cybersecurity and cloud computing company has signed agreements with Tollbit and Skyfire so that websites can transform bots traffic into a source of income. A strategy that points to a double objective: stop the improper use of data and, at the same time, open a new business route for those who publish content on the Internet.
“We are delighted to offer our customers greater flexibility to manage and make the AI bots without depending on a single platform,” explains Patrick Sullivan, director of Technology for the Security Strategy in Akamai. “Our alliance with Tollbit and Skyfire makes it possible for customers to have control to block Scrapers, admit trusted agents or charge for premium access, all in real time and EDGE.”
Tollbit digital “toll”
The first of the partners, Tollbit, has developed a system that converts scraping into a regulated transaction. Instead of blocking the bots, they redirect them to a kind of “toll booth” where AI agents must identify and pay to access the content.
Currently, more than 3,000 editors worldwide use the platform, which manages each quarter about 1.5 billion scraping bots. With the integration of Akamai, this figure could be fired, since its infrastructure processes more than 150,000 million bot applications daily.
The debate on how to manage the rise of AI bots is no longer only a technical issue, but also economic
The model, in practice, offers total control to websites owners: they decide who enters, under what conditions already what price. The benefit is double: the bots cease to be intruders and become customers; And the editors gain unprecedented visibility on which AI agents consume their data.
Skyfire and the identity of AI agents
The second alliance reinforces the part of security. Skyfire proposes an identity verification system under the concept “Know Your Agent” (Kya). Every time IA bots try to access protected content, it generates a token that reveals who is behind, what identity uses and what is its purpose.
This formula provides something that until now shone by its absence: transparency. Tokens can also include an instant payment system, so that access is compensated at the same time it occurs. For websites owners, it implies the peace of mind of knowing exactly what type of traffic they receive and, if you wish, charge for it immediately.
Sectors such as electronic commerce or finance could benefit especially from this technology, since it allows us to reduce false positives in the detection of AI bots and avoid losses derived from unnecessary blockages.
A new balance in the digital economy with the AI bots
The Akamai movement with Tollbit and Skyfire marks a turn in the way of understanding the relationship between editors and AI agents. In front of the massive and free scraping, a model is proposed in which the content has value and access is paid.
It is not just a defensive measure against abuse, but the possibility of building a more balanced economy. Editors receive fair compensation, AI companies access data under clear rules and end users benefit from a more sustainable ecosystem.
