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- as of October 1, 2025, the landscape of online data usage is becoming increasingly defined, notably concerning how websites protect their content.
- The increasing sophistication of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) systems has fueled a demand for vast datasets.
- However, this data-driven approach isn't without its challenges. Companies are recognizing the need to control how their intellectual property is used,especially when it comes to training AI models.
Understanding Website Data Use: What’s Permitted and What’s Not
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as of October 1, 2025, the landscape of online data usage is becoming increasingly defined, notably concerning how websites protect their content. While search engines are granted access to index and utilize information for search results, the broader practice of systematically collecting data from websites – often referred to as web scraping
– is facing stricter limitations.
the Rise of Data Exploration and Machine Learning
The increasing sophistication of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) systems has fueled a demand for vast datasets. These systems require extensive information to learn and improve,leading to a surge in techniques like Text and Data Mining (TDM). TDM encompasses a range of activities,including downloading data for analysis,indexing websites,and building databases.
However, this data-driven approach isn’t without its challenges. Companies are recognizing the need to control how their intellectual property is used,especially when it comes to training AI models.
What is Prohibited?
The core principle is this: systematic downloading of content, data, or information from a website using automated tools – whether web crawlers
, software, or manual processes – is generally prohibited without explicit permission from the website owner. This prohibition extends to using that collected data to develop software, including the training of AI and ML systems. This means simply copying content to build a competing product or to feed an AI algorithm is typically not allowed.
This restriction applies to all methods of data extraction, encompassing both robotic and human-driven approaches. The intent is to prevent unauthorized exploitation of website content.
The Search Engine Exception
A crucial exception exists for legitimate internet search engines. These engines are permitted to crawl and index website content to facilitate search. This is essential for the functioning of the internet and allows users to discover information. The key distinction is that search engines use the data to provide access to the content, not to reproduce or repurpose it for other applications like AI training without consent.
Implications for Businesses and Developers
For businesses and developers, this means obtaining clear, documented consent before engaging in any form of web scraping or TDM. Simply assuming permission is insufficient. Contacting the website owner and outlining the intended use of the data is crucial.Failure to do so could result in legal repercussions.
The specific policies are being enforced by Ringier Axel Springer Polska sp. Z oo (RASP), but this trend reflects a broader movement towards greater data control by content creators and publishers.