Merge branch 'ua/update-update-server-info'

Getting past the gatekeeper: Why you're seeing this message

As a visitor to this website, you're likely wondering why you've been presented with a challenge to prove you're human. The truth is, your browser has been flagged by the administrator of this site, who has set up a protective measure called Anubis to safeguard against AI-powered scraping attacks.

A compromise on security

Anubis is not a foolproof solution, but it's a necessary evil in today's digital landscape. By using a Proof-of-Work scheme similar to Hashcash, the administrator aims to make it more expensive for automated scrapers to target this website. This means that while the additional load may seem negligible at an individual scale, it can become overwhelming when dealt with by large numbers of AI-powered bots.

The real purpose behind Anubis

While it may appear as a temporary workaround, the ultimate goal of Anubis is to facilitate further development and improvement in fingerprinting and identifying legitimate users. By presenting a challenge proof-of-work page that requires JavaScript, the administrator hopes to weed out headless browsers (like those used by AI companies) without inconveniencing human visitors.

Requirements for accessing the site

However, Anubis does come with some caveats. Modern JavaScript features are required to bypass the challenge, which means that plugins like JShelter will need to be disabled or replaced. Unfortunately, this also means that users must enable JavaScript to proceed, as a no-JS solution is still in development.

A new social contract

The rise of AI-powered scraping has changed the way website hosting works, and Anubis reflects this shift. By requiring JavaScript and implementing measures like Anubis, the administrator is trying to reclaim control over their site's security and resources. While it may seem inconvenient for users, it's a necessary step in protecting against the growing threat of AI-driven attacks.

Conclusion

So there you have it – the story behind the message that says "you're not a bot." Anubis is a compromise on security, designed to balance the need for protection with the need to provide access to legitimate users. While it may require some adjustments on your part, it's an essential step in safeguarding against the scourge of AI-powered scraping attacks.