News publishers take paywall-blocker 12ft.io offline
12ft.io — or 12 Foot Ladder — also allowed users to view webpages without ads, trackers, or pop-ups by disguising a user's browser as a web crawler, giving them unfettered access to a webpage's contents. Software engineer Thomas Millar says he created the site when he realized '8 of the top 10 links on Google were paywalled' when doing research during the pandemic.
Over the past decade, the online publishing business model has become increasingly unstable. For many years, websites gave readers free access because they were supported by advertising revenue, which is dependent on pageviews. But as traffic has fluctuated, in large part due to changes to Google's Search algorithm and an increasing shift toward AI search, many magazines, including The Verge, have diversified their business to become more dependent on subscriptions and paywalls to support themselves. The attempts for publishers to become more sustainable have also led to an internet that is less open and accessible — a complaint that Millar's project is responding to.
Still, in an ironic twist, Millar began asking users to pay for a subscription to 12ft.io to help cover the cost of the tool in 2022. 'I'm making it my mission to clean the web,' Millar said at the time.
In its announcement, News/Media Alliance says 12ft.io 'offered illegal circumvention technology' that allowed users to access copyrighted content without paying for it. The organization adds that it will take 'similar actions' against other sites that let users get around paywalls. The News Media Alliance recently called Google's AI Mode 'theft.' (Like many chatbots, Google's AI Mode eliminates the need to visit a website, starving publishers of the pageviews they need to be compensated for their work.)
'Publishers commit significant resources to creating the best and most informative content for consumers, and illegal tools like 12ft.io undermine their ability to financially support that work through subscriptions and ad revenue,' News/Media Alliance president and CEO Danielle Coffey said in the press release. 'Taking down paywall bypassers is an essential part of ensuring we have a healthy and sustainable information ecosystem.'
Disclosure: The Verge's parent company, Vox Media, is a member of the News/Media Alliance.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
5 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Rillet Raises $70M From Andreessen Horowitz To Replace 'Dumb Databases' With AI Accounting That Closes Books In Hours
When Nicolas Kopp led German digital bank N26's U.S. operations, he learned that world-class finance teams were often slowed by outdated systems, forcing them to wait weeks for critical metrics despite working at high speed. That frustration planted the seed for Rillet, an AI-native enterprise resource planning platform built by accountants to modernize how companies handle their books. Now, Rillet said it secured $70 million in Series B funding co-led by Andreessen Horowitz and ICONIQ, bringing total funding to over $100 million in less than a year. Don't Miss: The same firms that backed Uber, Venmo and eBay are investing in this pre-IPO company disrupting a $1.8T market — Bill Gates Warned About Water Scarcity. Funding Round Unites Venture Capital Heavyweights and Expands Board Leadership The $70 million raise includes participation from Sequoia, Oak HC/FT, and earlier investors, arriving just 10 weeks after Rillet's $25 million Series A. The company said the funding will accelerate Rillet's push to rebuild enterprise accounting from the ground up, giving finance leaders the ability to scale multi-billion-dollar companies with smaller, more efficient teams. As part of the round, Andreessen Horowitz General Partner Alex Rampell and ICONIQ General Partner Seth Pierrepont are joining Rillet's board of directors. "Finance teams deserve the same AI advantages that have revolutionized sales, engineering, and legal," Rampell said in the company's statement, while Pierrepont noted that the company's AI-native approach "can give companies a clear edge: faster insights, leaner teams, and smarter decisions." Trending: 'Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. You can Cutting Close Times From Weeks to Days With AI-Native Architecture Founded by Kopp and Stelios Modes, the technical architect who built N26's payment infrastructure, Rillet was designed to eliminate the inefficiencies of legacy systems owned by large incumbents such as Oracle (NYSE:ORCL), Sage, and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT). The company's leadership team includes former executives and accountants from EY, PwC, and other major firms, embedding industry expertise into every workflow. Rillet has signed more than 200 customers since launch, doubling its annual recurring revenue over the last 12 weeks and forming partnerships with top accounting firms like Armanino and Wiss. Clients such as Postscript, which generates over $100 million in annual recurring revenue, close their books in just three days using Rillet, while Windsurf manages its entire finance operation with a team of two people. The platform integrates directly with tools including Salesforce (NYSE:CRM), Stripe, and Brex, pulling structured data into its AI-powered general ledger. Legacy enterprise resource planning systems, described by Rillet as "dumb databases," often store transactions but leave teams dependent on spreadsheets and add-on approach eliminates that gap, enabling finance teams to collaborate in real time, automate workflows natively, and generate instant insights without relying on bolt-ons. Implementation can be completed in as little as four weeks, compared with up to 12 months for many legacy systems. Rillet Targets $500B Market Amid CPA Talent Shortage and 80% Automation Potential The American Institute of Certified Public Accountant has reported that 75% of today's public accounting CPAs are expected to retire within the next 15 years. In the meantime, Accenture estimates that about 80% of routine financial operations could be automated through technologies such as touchless continuous accounting and human-machine collaboration. Rillet aims to address both challenges by enabling finance teams to operate with fewer people while focusing on higher-value strategic analysis rather than manual processes. Looking ahead, Rillet says it plans to expand its AI capabilities, deepen integrations across the financial technology stack, and build toward a collaborative environment where AI agents and human experts manage financial performance together. Several customers are expected to go public within the next six to 12 months using Rillet's platform. Read Next: 2,000 High Earners Manage $6B With This AI Platform — Image: Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article Rillet Raises $70M From Andreessen Horowitz To Replace 'Dumb Databases' With AI Accounting That Closes Books In Hours originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Yahoo
5 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Best Contractor Business Loans for Bad Credit: ROK Financial Responds to Growing Credit Access Challenges
Contractors facing credit challenges in 2025 are fueling record demand for alternative financing, as ROK Financial expands business loan programs designed to keep projects funded and crews working nationwide. New York, Aug. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The information below is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or professional advice. Funding availability, terms, and approval times may vary by applicant and lender. Always confirm details directly with the official provider before applying for financing. If you apply through links in this article, the publisher may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Best Contractor Business Loans for Bad Credit: ROK Financial Responds to Growing Credit Access Challenges ROK Financial has moved into 2025 with an aggressive stance on expanding contractor business loan options for owners with bad credit. As interest in alternative financing grows, the firm positions itself at the center of this shift, helping small contractors stay competitive despite tightening bank approvals. Across the country, builders, roofers, electricians, and independent contractors are confronting a familiar problem: demand for projects continues to rise, but traditional banks remain restrictive when credit histories are less than perfect. That gap has created one of the strongest surges in search interest for 'best contractor business loans for bad credit' in Interest in Best Contractor Business Loans for Bad Credit Is Surging in 2025 The surge in contractor lending demand reflects broader shifts in the economy. Inflation and higher borrowing costs have left many contractors unable to qualify for standard loans, even while customer demand for home improvement and infrastructure work grows. According to recent industry surveys, more than half of small businesses that applied for financing in 2024 were either denied or offered unfavorable terms. Contractors often work on thin margins, face seasonal cycles, and must cover upfront costs before receiving client payments. Payroll, materials, and equipment purchases cannot wait, which makes access to credit essential. Yet banks continue to rely on rigid FICO cutoffs that leave many qualified operators without options. This disconnect between project demand and credit availability has fueled record-high online searches for bad-credit business financing. YouTube creators discuss how independent builders struggle with cash flow. Search data from Google Trends highlights this shift. Phrases like 'contractor business loans bad credit' and 'working capital loans for contractors' have shown double-digit growth year over year. On YouTube, creators are explaining how alternative lenders have stepped in to support tradespeople, while discussions on small business forums reveal how credit access challenges have become a daily struggle for those in the building industry. This isn't a niche issue anymore — it's a mainstream conversation gaining momentum. Reddit forums are filled with small operators debating alternatives. TikTok videos trend on 'funding hacks' for contractors who need money fast but do not meet traditional underwriting standards. For many contractors, the ability to secure fast working capital can mean the difference between taking on new clients or turning down projects. Seasonal slowdowns, weather disruptions, and equipment costs all put pressure on cash flow. Without flexible financing, these businesses often face unnecessary setbacks. With more than half of contractors operating as small businesses or sole proprietors, the need for loan programs that look beyond credit scores has become urgent. ROK Financial's visibility in this conversation has grown as more contractors look beyond banks. The firm is often mentioned in user forums and industry publications for its willingness to structure financing designed for credit-challenged owners. In fact, a recent release highlighted how . The cultural and economic backdrop points to one clear trend: in 2025, small contractors are no longer waiting for banks to change their rules. They are searching for financing partners that recognize the realities of their businesses and provide flexible ways to secure working Financial as a Response to This Shift ROK Financial has built its reputation around filling the gaps that traditional banks leave open. While major lenders continue to rely on outdated credit scoring models, ROK positions itself as a direct response to the needs of contractors who require fast, flexible working capital solutions. The company designs loan structures specifically for contractors who face unpredictable cycles, delayed payments, and urgent material purchases. Its programs are positioned for small and mid-sized operators who often find themselves locked out of bank financing but still need the resources to secure bids, take on bigger projects, and keep crews paid on time. This strategy was highlighted in a recent update, where . That release underscored how specific industry challenges, like seasonal roofing demand, align with ROK's flexible lending approach. For contractors, this approach means access to financing that acknowledges the realities of the industry rather than penalizing them for circumstances beyond their control. By focusing on speed, flexibility, and tailored structures, ROK has become a recognized alternative to rigid, slow-moving bank processes. Inside the Contractor Loan Platform Beyond the broad positioning, ROK Financial's programs feature structures that reflect what contractors request most often. Instead of rigid underwriting, the platform explores credit alternatives such as revenue-based qualification, repeat customer payment history, and job pipeline forecasting. These tools allow credit-challenged contractors to show their real business performance rather than be judged on a single score. Features explored by users include working capital advances, short-term loans for equipment, and financing designed to bridge gaps until receivables are collected. Contractors report that flexible repayment structures are especially important during seasonal downturns, where cash flow can shrink but payroll obligations continue. Another key dimension is the company's willingness to adapt programs to industries under pressure. In 2025, demand has surged in segments where traditional lenders are pulling back. A related release showed how . That flexibility sets the firm apart in an environment where small businesses are seeking practical solutions over rigid qualifications. Commonly requested tools include same-day approvals, access to multiple lending partners, and quick online application workflows. These features give contractors clarity on options, often within hours instead of weeks. By building this kind of speed and transparency into its platform, ROK has become part of the conversation among small operators seeking to stay competitive in a tough lending Online Users Are Saying About This Category The conversation around contractor financing has grown louder across digital platforms in 2025. On YouTube, creators explain how small business owners are adapting to rising borrowing costs. Podcasts focus on the struggle independent contractors face in securing predictable funding. Reddit and TikTok threads highlight strategies that operators share with one another to keep jobs moving despite poor credit histories. The tone of these discussions is exploratory rather than promotional. Many participants acknowledge the challenge of finding reliable lenders while pointing to a handful of providers that appear frequently in threads. ROK Financial's name surfaces often in this cultural dialogue, typically associated with speed and flexibility compared to larger banks. These discussions matter because they reflect the sentiment of the very audience searching for solutions. Contractors frustrated with denials report that alternative financing gave them the ability to purchase equipment or make payroll on time. Others emphasize that while they remain cautious, programs built for bad-credit borrowers are increasingly seen as necessary in today's economy. This blend of curiosity and demand continues to reinforce search momentum. By being part of the conversation, ROK Financial benefits from growing visibility and expanding trust signals within the contractor community. Who Might Gravitate Toward This Product in 2025 The profile of contractors exploring bad-credit business loans in 2025 is diverse. High-performing builders taking on larger contracts often require immediate working capital to secure materials before client payments arrive. Independent roofers, plumbers, and electricians lean on financing when seasonal swings disrupt cash flow. Newer contractors entering the market see alternative funding as a bridge until their credit history strengthens. Other groups showing interest include small operators managing multiple crews and subcontractors who must cover payroll before invoices are cleared. These borrowers look for speed and flexibility rather than long application processes that delay projects. There is also a growing set of entrepreneurs who entered construction after leaving corporate roles during the pandemic years. Many lack the credit profiles banks demand but have strong networks and client pipelines. For them, alternative financing is a tool to scale businesses faster and compete with established firms. ROK Financial has built its programs with these varied use cases in mind, avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach. By aligning repayment terms with revenue flow, the company creates a pathway for contractors who would otherwise be excluded from mainstream Category Reflections – Why This Niche Is Expanding The market for contractor business loans designed for borrowers with bad credit is expanding because structural forces are pushing demand higher. Rising interest rates, inflation, and tighter bank regulations have made it harder for small operators to access working capital. At the same time, construction activity remains steady, driven by infrastructure spending, storm recovery projects, and housing demand. This imbalance has created an opening for alternative lenders who are willing to evaluate businesses differently. Instead of focusing on outdated credit models, these lenders look at project pipelines, revenue streams, and seasonal patterns. Contractors recognize that this approach reflects the realities of the industry more accurately. In recent coverage, . This reflects broader keyword growth in terms like 'bad credit business loans,' 'alternative contractor financing,' and 'working capital for subcontractors.' The expansion of this niche signals that contractors are no longer waiting for banks to catch up. Instead, they are adopting solutions that keep projects moving, protect crews from delays, and enable competitive bidding on larger contracts. Public Debate – Supporters, Skeptics, and the Signals Behind the Buzz Public conversation about contractor loans for bad credit has divided opinion. Supporters argue these programs reflect an overdue correction in lending, allowing small operators to demonstrate real performance instead of being dismissed by outdated credit models. They highlight how contractors often juggle delayed payments, unexpected project costs, and seasonal downturns, making alternative funding more aligned with day-to-day realities. Skeptics, on the other hand, question whether relying on nontraditional financing creates longer-term risks. Concerns about repayment terms, higher interest rates, and dependency on fast capital surface often in forums and podcasts. Some critics caution contractors to balance immediate access with careful financial planning. Neutral observers note that the sharp rise in search volume for related keywords shows that interest is genuine and growing. Whether supportive or skeptical, online discussion has helped put contractor loans for bad credit into the spotlight, signaling an important cultural shift in how business financing is viewed. By presenting itself as a transparent, education-first provider, ROK Financial positions its platform as a response to both sides of the debate, offering speed and clarity without ROK Financial ROK Financial operates with a mission to expand credit access for small businesses that face obstacles in traditional lending channels. The company emphasizes an education-first approach, helping contractors and entrepreneurs understand financing options before making commitments. Its platform prioritizes speed, clarity, and alignment with real-world business cycles rather than rigid credit scoring. Since its founding, ROK Financial has positioned itself as a partner to industries often underserved by banks. Contractors, franchise owners, and independent operators turn to the company for flexible working capital programs designed to support growth and stability. By focusing on practical solutions instead of one-size-fits-all lending, ROK has built a reputation for responsiveness and trust within the business community. This positioning reflects broader shifts in the financing landscape, where alternative providers are now viewed as essential players. Contact ROK Financial Email: info@ Phone: (833) 3-ROKBIZ Website: Final Disclaimer This press release is for informational purposes only. The content herein does not constitute financial, legal, or medical advice. Best Contractor Business Loans for Bad Credit is not intended to diagnose, treat, predict, or guarantee any result or outcome. Individual experiences may vary, and outcomes are not assured. Some links in this release may be promotional in nature and may lead to third-party websites. The publisher or author may receive compensation through affiliate commissions if a purchase is made through these links. This compensation does not affect the price you pay and helps support continued research and content publication. All statements made about product features, platform strategies, or training content reflect publicly available information, user discussions, or historical trends, and are not endorsed or validated by regulatory bodies. Please perform your own research before making financial, technological, or purchasing decisions. CONTACT: Email: info@ Phone: (833) 3-ROKBIZ
Yahoo
5 minutes ago
- Yahoo
1 Brilliant Quantum Computing Stock to Buy Before It Soars 70%, According to 1 Wall Street Analyst
Key Points IonQ is taking a unique approach to quantum computing. Quantum computing is expected to reach a turning point around 2030. 10 stocks we like better than IonQ › Wall Street analysts often give one-year price targets for stocks as a guide to where they think the stock is heading. While these projections are inherently flawed and in no way guarantee what will happen to a stock, understanding what the general analyst community thinks about a stock can be helpful in shaping your own research, especially in an area like quantum computing where there's a lot of hype. Kevin Garrigan from Rosenblatt Security recently set a new price target for quantum computing pure play IonQ (NYSE: IONQ). As of Wednesday's market close, IonQ was trading at $41.21 per share. Garrigan's price target is $70, indicating about 70% upside. That's a strong return in a short time frame, but is IonQ stock a buy now? IonQ's trapped ion approach shows potential IonQ is a leading quantum computing company, which is impressive considering that it doesn't have another business to fund its operations. IonQ relies on raising capital in the public markets and various contracts it has to fund its research, unlike many of the big tech competitors in this space, which have massive cash flows to fund their quantum computing research. Despite this disadvantage, IonQ has developed impressive quantum computing technology. IonQ has taken the trapped ion approach to quantum computing, which has benefits and drawbacks. On the plus side, trapped ion architecture has impressive fidelity, and IonQ holds the world record in 1-qubit gate fidelity tests. (A qbit, or quantum bit, is the basic unit of information used in quantum computing to encode data.) It can also be done at room temperature, while other solutions need to be cooled to absolute zero. On the downside, trapped ion quantum computing can have a slightly slower processing speed compared to other solutions. Time will tell whether this is a winning approach, but some of IonQ's early successes indicate that it could be viable. But will that be enough to deliver the $70 stock price that Garrigan thinks is possible? IonQ won't see real business gains for at least a few years Any stock price prediction for IonQ is speculation. While it has a handful of contracts and its quantum computing devices are available for use on all three major cloud computing services, there's really no commercial market for quantum computing right now. However, most quantum computing companies point toward 2030 being a key year, and IonQ is no exception. Its CEO projected that IonQ would be profitable and generate sales of nearly $1 billion by 2030. After that, management expects significant market expansion, with an $87 billion market emerging by 2035. To bridge the gap between profitability and its research phase, IonQ has $1.6 billion in cash, cash equivalents, and outside investments, which should allow it to reach this critical point. While it's impossible to know if IonQ's technology will propel it to be a winning quantum computing pick over the next few years, investors can feel confident that IonQ has the proper resources and backing to at least get to that point. Whether that's worth a $70-per-share target is a different question that I can't answer, but with all of the momentum behind quantum computing, I have a hard time seeing this stock slowing down anytime soon. As a result, I think it's worth an investment, as long as the position size is kept relatively small to help manage risk. Should you buy stock in IonQ right now? Before you buy stock in IonQ, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the for investors to buy now… and IonQ wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $668,155!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $1,106,071!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor's total average return is 1,070% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to 184% for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of August 13, 2025 Keithen Drury has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. 1 Brilliant Quantum Computing Stock to Buy Before It Soars 70%, According to 1 Wall Street Analyst was originally published by The Motley Fool
