Merge branch 'pds_core-updates-and-fixes': A Solution to Combat AI Scraping

As we navigate the complex web of online security, it's essential to acknowledge the challenges posed by AI-powered scraping technologies. These sophisticated systems have evolved to rapidly scour websites for valuable information, leaving many innocent platforms vulnerable to downtime and resource depletion.

The administrator of this website has implemented a novel solution called Anubis, designed to protect its server from these malicious entities. This Proof-of-Work scheme is inspired by the principles behind Hashcash, a proposed method for reducing email spam. The core idea is to create a situation where individual users may not notice an additional load, but when applied at a mass scale, it becomes increasingly costly and difficult for scrapers to operate.

However, this hack is not intended to provide a foolproof solution. Instead, it serves as a temporary placeholder to enable more comprehensive fingerprinting and identification techniques aimed at detecting headless browsers – those elusive, AI-powered entities that often masquerade as legitimate users.

To successfully bypass Anubis, you'll need to meet two primary requirements: modern JavaScript capabilities and the disabling of certain plugins like JShelter. While it may seem counterintuitive, these demands are a necessary compromise in today's digital landscape, where social contracts have shifted to accommodate the growing threat of AI-powered scraping.

It is crucial to note that Anubis relies on the use of modern JavaScript features, which might be disabled by plugins like JShelter. In this context, enabling JavaScript is no longer an option; it's a requirement for accessing certain content and navigating the site without encountering the challenge proof-of-work page.

The implementation of Anubis underscores the evolving nature of online security and our ongoing struggle to stay ahead of emerging threats. By acknowledging these challenges and working towards solutions, we can create safer, more resilient digital environments for all users.