AI Crawler Access Management
Controlling which AI crawlers can access your content and how aggressively they crawl. Separate from search engine crawlers - manages GPTBot, Claude-Bot, Google-Extended, and other AI-specific bots that consume server resources for training purposes.
Why It Matters
AI crawlers can consume significant server resources without providing SEO value. Unlike Googlebot which drives traffic, AI crawlers train models using your content. Management prevents resource drain while controlling which AI systems can learn from your content.
How It Works
AI crawlers identify themselves via user agents and can be controlled through robots.txt. You can set crawl delays, block entirely, or allow specific paths. Management balances server capacity with strategic decisions about AI training access and potential licensing opportunities.
Use Cases
- A high-traffic site blocks aggressive AI crawlers, reducing server load by 30% without impacting SEO
- A publisher allows GPTBot after negotiating attribution requirements, blocks others
- A SaaS company blocks AI crawlers on documentation while allowing access to marketing content
Best Practices
- Identify AI crawlers in server logs: GPTBot, Google-Extended, CCBot, Claude-Bot, others
- Block via robots.txt if protecting content or managing server resources
- Implement crawl-delay directives for AI bots you allow to prevent server overload
- Monitor server resources to detect aggressive or undisclosed AI crawlers
- Document AI crawler policy and review quarterly as new bots emerge
- Consider strategic allowances for AI crawlers based on licensing or visibility goals
Frequently Asked Questions
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