Merge branch 'js/ci-build-win-in-release-mode': Protecting Against AI Scrapers
As you're reading this, it's likely because the administrator of this website has set up Anubis, a cutting-edge security system designed to safeguard against the relentless threat of AI-powered web scrapers. The goal is clear: prevent these aggressive companies from draining our server's resources and making them inaccessible to everyone.
Anubis employs a Proof-of-Work scheme, reminiscent of Hashcash, which was initially proposed as a solution to reduce email spam. While it may seem counterintuitive, this system has an interesting side effect. At the individual scale, the added load is negligible; however, when mass scrapers come into play, the expense increases exponentially, making scraping much more costly. In essence, Anubis acts as a "good enough" placeholder solution, allowing developers to focus on more pressing issues – like fingerprinting and identifying headless browsers – which are often used by malicious actors.
However, there's a catch: Anubis requires the use of modern JavaScript features, which plugins like JShelter will disable. If you're using such plugins on this domain, please disable them to avoid any issues with accessing this challenge proof-of-work page. The reason for this restriction is that AI companies have altered the social contract around website hosting, making it increasingly difficult to create a no-JS solution. Enabling JavaScript is currently the only way to bypass Anubis and access your content.
This development highlights the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between website administrators, security measures, and malicious actors. As AI-powered scrapers continue to evolve, we can expect more sophisticated solutions like Anubis to emerge. For now, it's essential to be aware of these changing dynamics and take steps to protect our online presence.
Stay informed about the latest developments in this space by following reputable sources and staying up-to-date on the most recent security measures. Remember, a secure online experience requires ongoing vigilance and collaboration between website administrators, developers, and users alike.