Responsible Web Scraping in the Age of AI
The primary operating principle of artificial intelligence relies on large volumes of data, the scale of which allows AI tools to function more effectively and accurately. One common method of acquiring this data is through web scraping, which enables access to vast streams of information. But is this method truly ethical and free from legal concerns? Are the websites from which data is extracted treated fairly, and are intellectual property rights properly respected?
What is Web Scraping?
Web scraping is a process of extracting desired information from a specific website and exporting it into a more convenient format for the data collector. Although this process can be performed manually, it is more often conducted using automated tools. While web scraping is legal, it can become unlawful when attempting to access data that is not publicly available.
In simpler terms, the process works by assigning URL codes to a web scraper before data extraction. The scraper then retrieves the necessary data and exports it into a preferred format, such as CSV, Excel, or JSON.
The Opportunities and Risks of Data Scraping
AI-powered web-scraping tools, such as GPTBot or Google-Extended – commonly referred to as bots – are used to scan websites and collect data, helping improve language models (LLM) and AI technology in general. This plays a significant role in refining AI models to ensure accurate results.
However, there is increasing focus on how AI might impact ethical standards and data protection. As a result, web scraping is often viewed as controversial, and some website owners may choose to block bots from scraping their data.
Various tools are available to help monitor AI bots collecting data and to identify those attempting to conceal illegal data access. The concern arises primarily from fears that AI-powered information retrieval tools might misuse available information and illegally gather data from websites, which also increases the risk of compromising sensitive data.
For example, creators of journalistic content aim to preserve the uniqueness and reliability of their work, and they do not want AI systems to use their data, which increases the risk of manipulation. According to Palewire’s research, 47% of news websites already block AI bots.
Another area of concern is retail. Each e-commerce website builds its brand by creating unique content, and information retrieval poses a risk to their competitive advantage and intellectual property if it is used without consent.
On the other hand, blocking bots can be inconvenient for the websites themselves. In some cases, using specific bot-blocking tools can reduce a site’s visibility and hinder accessibility. Additionally, such a decision distances the site from contributing to the development of high-quality machine learning tools, as there is a risk of losing valuable data that could enhance AI models and drive progress.
Final Word
The new age of technology compels us to seek ways that ensure respectful and fair collaboration between website owners and web crawlers. Gradually, tools are emerging that will help find a balance, allowing owners to decide whether they truly want to block all AI bots and potentially hinder technological advancement. It is also likely that a form of agreement will emerge, providing web crawlers with specific terms of use and responsibilities for granting access to content creator information.
