Latest news with #Cloudflare
Forbes
7 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
AI Just Hit A Paywall As The Web Reacts To Cloudflare's Flip
Stop AI from scraping data for free As someone who has spent years building partnerships between tech innovators and digital creators, I've seen how difficult it can be to balance visibility and value. Every week, I meet with founders and business leaders trying to figure out how to stand out, monetize content, and keep control of their digital assets. They're proud of what they've built but increasingly worried that AI systems are consuming their work without permission, credit, or compensation. That's why Cloudflare's latest announcement hit like a thunderclap. And I wanted to wait to see the responses from companies and creators to really tell this story. Cloudflare, one of the internet's most important infrastructure companies, now blocks AI crawlers by default for all new customers. This flips the longstanding model, where crawlers were allowed unless actively blocked, into something more deliberate: AI must now ask to enter. And not just ask. Pay. Cloudflare wants AI Companies to pay for the data that they use. Alongside that change, Cloudflare has launched Pay‑Per‑Crawl, a new marketplace that allows website owners to charge AI companies per page crawled. If you're running a blog, a digital magazine, a startup product page, or even a knowledge base, you now have the option to set a price for access. AI bots must identify themselves, send payment, and only then can they index your content. This isn't a routine product update. It's a signal that the free ride for AI training data is ending and a new economic framework is beginning. AI Models and Their Training The core issue behind this shift is how AI models are trained. Large language models like OpenAI's GPT or Anthropic's Claude rely on huge amounts of data from the open web. They scrape everything, including articles, FAQs, social posts, documentation, even Reddit threads, to get smarter. But while they benefit, the content creators see none of that upside. Unlike traditional search engines that drive traffic back to the sites they crawl, generative AI tends to provide full answers directly to users, cutting creators out of the loop. According to Cloudflare, the data is telling: OpenAI's crawl-to-referral ratio is around 1,700 to 1. Anthropic's is 73,000 to 1. Compare that to Google, which averages about 14 crawls per referral, and the imbalance becomes clear. In other words, AI isn't just learning from your content but it's monetizing it without ever sending users back your way. Rebalancing the AI Equation Cloudflare's announcement aims to rebalance this equation. From now on, when someone signs up for a new website using Cloudflare's services, AI crawlers are automatically blocked unless explicitly permitted. For existing customers, this is available as an opt-in. More importantly, Cloudflare now enables site owners to monetize their data through Pay‑Per‑Crawl. AI bots must: Only then will the content be served. We have to rebalance the AI equation. This marks a turning point. Instead of AI companies silently harvesting the web, they must now enter into economic relationships with content owners. The model is structured like a digital toll road and this road leads to your ideas, your writing, and your value. Several major publishers are already onboard. According to Neiman Lab, Gannett, Condé Nast, The Atlantic, BuzzFeed, Time, and others have joined the system to protect and monetize their work. Cloudflare Isn't The Only One Trying To Protect Creators From AI This isn't happening in a vacuum. A broader wave of startups and platforms are emerging to support a consent-based data ecosystem. CrowdGenAI is focused on assembling ethically sourced, human-labeled data that AI developers can license with confidence. It's designed for the next generation of AI training where the value of quality and consent outweighs quantity. (Note: I am on the advisory board of CrowdGenAI). is a mobile camera app that verifies your photos are real, not AI. The app also verifies where the photo was taken and when. The photo, along with its metadata are hashed so it can't be altered. Each photo is stored on the Base blockchain as an NFT and the photo can be looked up and viewed on a global, public database. Photographers make money by selling rights to their photos. (Note: the founder of is on the board of Unstoppable - my employer) gives artists and creators control over their inclusion in datasets. Their tools let you mark your work as 'do not train,' with the goal of building a system where creators decide whether or not they're part of AI's learning process. helps companies generate synthetic data for safe, customizable model training, bypassing the need to scrape the web altogether. DataDistil is building a monetized, traceable content layer where AI agents can pay for premium insights, with full provenance and accountability. Each of these players is pushing the same idea: your data has value, and you deserve a choice in how it's used. What Are the Pros to Cloudflare's AI Approach? There are real benefits to Cloudflare's new system. First, it gives control back to creators. The default is 'no,' and that alone changes the power dynamic. You no longer have to know how to write a file or hunt for obscure bot names. Cloudflare handles it. Second, it introduces a long-awaited monetization channel. Instead of watching your content get scraped for free, you can now set terms and prices. Third, it promotes transparency. Site owners can see who's crawling, how often, and for what purpose. This turns a shadowy process into a visible, accountable one. Finally, it incentivizes AI developers to treat data respectfully. If access costs money, AI systems may start prioritizing quality, licensing, and consent. And There Are Some Limitations To The AI Approach But there are limitations. Today, all content is priced equally. That means a one-sentence landing page costs the same to crawl as an investigative feature or technical white paper. A more sophisticated pricing model will be needed to reflect actual value. Enforcement could also be tricky. Not all AI companies will follow the rules. Some may spoof bots or route through proxy servers. Without broader adoption or legal backing, the system will still face leakage. There's also a market risk. Cloudflare's approach assumes a future where AI agents have a budget, where they'll pay to access the best data and deliver premium answers. But in reality, free often wins. Unless users are willing to pay for higher-quality responses, AI companies may simply revert to scraping from sources that remain open. And then there's the visibility problem. If you block AI bots from your site, your content may not appear in agent-generated summaries or answers. You're protecting your rights—but possibly disappearing from the next frontier of discovery. I was chatting with Daniel Nestle, Founder of Inquisitive Communications, who told me 'Brands and creators will need to understand that charging bots for content will be the same as blocking the bots: their content will disappear from GEO results and, more importantly, from model training, forfeiting the game now and into the future.' Daniel Nestle, Founder of Inquisitive Communications, on the risks of blocking AI scraping. The AI Fork In The Road What Cloudflare has done is more than just configure a setting. They've triggered a deeper conversation about ownership, consent, and the economics of information. The default mode of the internet with free access, free usage, no questions asked, is being challenged. This is a fork in the road. One path leads to a web where AI systems must build partnerships with creators. Take the partnership of Perplexity with Coinbase on crypto data. The other continues toward unchecked scraping, where the internet becomes an unpaid training ground for increasingly powerful models. Between those extremes lies the gray space we're now entering: a space where some will block, some will charge, and some will opt in for visibility. What matters is that we now have the tools and the leverage to make that decision. For creators, technologists, and companies alike, that changes everything. Did you enjoy this story about AI And Cloudflare? Don't miss my next one: Use the blue follow button at the top of the article near my byline to follow more of my work.
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Quid Miner App Now Available, Providing AI-Powered Crypto Mining of BTC, DOGE & More
Newtown, CA July 20, 2025 --( )-- As crypto markets face increasing volatility, investors are turning to structured strategies for passive income. This is where Quid Miner comes in: Quid Miner, a UK-registered platform, offers a mobile app designed to help users explore cloud mining with simplified tools and enhanced security. Quid Miner states that they offer a way to generate daily crypto returns – without market timing or their own hardware. 'Waiting for the next bull market isn't a strategy,' says a Quid Miner spokesperson. 'But earning while you wait? That's smart.' What is cloud mining, and Why Now? Cloud mining lets users rent computing power from data centers to mine cryptocurrencies, removing the need to purchase expensive equipment or manage technical setups. Quid Miner says its platform fills this gap, delivering stable, automated crypto earnings directly to one's phone. Highlights of the Quid Miner App: 1. AI Optimization Engine：Dynamically allocates computing power to the most profitable coins and mining pools. 2. Full Multi-Asset Support：BTC, ETH, XRP, DOGE, LTC, SOL, BCH and USDT. Thanks to the platform's multi-chain compatibility, users can choose the digital assets they hold for mining. 3. Institutional-Grade Security: McAfee® and Cloudflare® dual protection technology is used to prevent all unauthorized access. Ensure the safety of funds and data. 4. Flexible contract plans: Choose from low-entry $15 options to premium $100K contracts — daily returns are settled automatically. 5. Mobile First：Manage mining operations directly from iOS or Android — anytime, anywhere. Simple steps to start cloud mining with Quid Miner 1. Choose Qudi Miner as provider: Quid Miner offers a $15 free mining plan, and users can earn $0.60 in passive income every day for free. 2. Create an account: Sign up with an email address, log in to the dashboard and start mining immediately. 3. Contract selection: A variety of mining plans are available to meet different budgets and investment preferences. Quid Miner BTC popular contracts: BTC Basic Computing Power [Experience Contract]: Investment amount: 100 USD, Contract period: 2 days, Daily income: 4.0 USD, Expiration income: 100 USD + 8 USD DOGE<C [Goldshell LT6]: Investment amount: $500, Contract period: 6 days, Daily income: $6, Expiration income: $500 + $ 36 BTC (WhatsMiner M60S): Investment amount: 3000 USD, Contract period: 15 days, Daily income: 39.6 USD, Expiration income: 2900 USD + 594 USD BTC (Avalon A156)： Investment amount: 5500 USD, Contract duration: 2 2 days, Daily income: 77 USD, Expiration income: 5500 USD + 1 694 USD DOGE<C [Antminer L7]: Investment amount: 8,000 USD , Contract period: 27 days, Daily income: 122.4 USD, Expiration income: 8,300 USD + 3,304.8 USD (For more contracts, please log in to ) Quid Miner states they are ideal for: ● Crypto newcomers exploring risk-free income options ● Busy professionals who prefer automated tools ● Retirees interested in low-risk, steady earnings About Quid Miner Quid Miner was legally registered in the UK in 2010 and is headquartered in the UK. Since launching cloud mining services in 2018, the company has continued to expand its global layout and technical capabilities. At present, the company has multiple stable strategic mining centers in the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates and Kazakhstan, providing strong and stable computing power support for users from more than 180 countries and regions. Provide 24-hour multilingual customer service to ensure that global users receive fast response and personalized support and enjoy an efficient mining experience. Download the App or Sign Up Now to claim the free $15 reward. Email: [email protected] Official Website: App Download: iOS and Android dual-end support Contact Information: Quid Miner Jordan Ethan +4407879166757 Contact via Email Read the full story here: Quid Miner App Now Available, Providing AI-Powered Crypto Mining of BTC, DOGE & More Press Release Distributed by
Business Upturn
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Upturn
From Smartphone to Crypto Yield: How Quid Miner Is Simplifying Cloud Mining for BTC and DOGE in 2025
London, UK, July 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As cryptocurrency matures into a mainstream financial instrument, a new wave of investors is looking for ways to generate steady returns without the volatility of day trading. In response to this demand, Quid Miner has launched a streamlined mobile platform that brings cloud mining to users across 180+ countries, enabling anyone with a smartphone to participate in digital asset production. Redefining Access to Mining Founded in the UK in 2010, Quid Miner removes the complexity from crypto mining. With just a few taps, users can mine popular assets like BTC, ETH, XRP, DOGE, and LTC — no rigs, no coding, no guesswork. The platform uses artificial intelligence to dynamically allocate computing power, ensuring optimal performance across multiple mining pools. 'Mining used to be a high-barrier activity,' said a Quid Miner spokesperson. 'We've changed that. Now anyone can get started in minutes — securely and profitably.' What Is Cloud Mining? Cloud mining allows individuals to lease computing power from professional data centers to mine cryptocurrencies. Instead of managing expensive hardware, users subscribe to mining contracts on platforms like Quid Miner and receive daily earnings directly in their wallets. This approach is ideal for users seeking passive income or portfolio diversification without the time or technical skills required for traditional mining setups. Why It Matters In a market shaped by global inflation, unpredictable interest rates, and rising institutional scrutiny, Quid Miner provides an alternative income stream that's automated and resilient. For both seasoned crypto enthusiasts and curious newcomers, cloud mining offers a path to sustainable yield. Quid Miner Platform Highlights: AI Optimization Engine: Maximizes returns by auto-balancing across coins and pools Robust Security: McAfee® and Cloudflare® technologies ensure safe, uninterrupted access Multi-Coin Support: BTC, ETH, DOGE, XRP, LTC, and more Incentives: New users receive a $15 mining credit; bonuses for referrals and participation Mobile-First Interface: Available on iOS and Android for full on-the-go control Simple steps to start cloud mining with Quid Miner Qudi Miner as your provider: Quid Miner offers a $15 free mining plan, and users can earn $0.60 in passive income every day for free. an account: Sign up with your email address, log in to the dashboard and start mining immediately. 3. Contract selection: A variety of mining plans are available to meet different budgets and investment preferences. Click to view all contract plans About Quid Miner Quid Miner was legally registered in the UK in 2010 and is headquartered in the UK. Strictly abiding by international regulatory standards, the company has continuously expanded its global layout and technical capabilities since launching cloud mining services in 2018. Currently, the company has multiple stable strategic mining centers in the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates and Kazakhstan, providing strong and stable computing power support for users from more than 180 countries and regions. The company provides 24-hour multilingual customer service to ensure that global users receive fast response and personalized support and enjoy an efficient mining experience. Beyond Just Mining Quid Miner reflects the broader shift in crypto investing — from short-term speculation to long-term infrastructure. As platforms like this become more user-centric and intuitive, they're opening the door for anyone to become a digital asset producer. Explore intelligent income tools built for the next era of crypto. Download the Quid Miner app or register now and start earning today. Email: [email protected] Official Website: App Download: iOS and Android dual-end support Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an 'as-is' basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Jim Cramer on Cloudflare: 'The Stock Should Be Bought Even Up Here'
Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE:NET) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer weighed in on. A caller inquired about the company, and Cramer replied: 'Yeah, I thought it was brilliant. I thought Matthew Prince was brilliant. I think NET's great. I've been behind this for, since probably for about 120 points. I think Matthew's about as good as it gets, and the stock should be bought even up here.' Cloudflare (NYSE:NET) provides cloud-based security, performance, and networking services designed to protect and optimize websites, applications, and IT infrastructure. Its solutions include Zero Trust security, DDoS protection, content delivery, and developer tools to support businesses. Cramer also discussed the company during a March episode of Squawk on the Street, as he commented: 'You wanna talk Cloudflare? A Sell to a Buy at Bank of America? It goes from price target 60 to 160? I have Mathew Prince on regularly, okay. Mathew Prince has done more cybersecurity and internet and also he does the. . he protects voting. . .but he has a very solid internet secure plan. And why anyone would say sell that company? It is extraordinarily wrong. But I like the fact that at least he owned up.' While we acknowledge the potential of NET as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 30 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 11 Hidden AI Stocks to Buy Right Now. Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Fast Company
3 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
Staying hands on made scaling to $1B+ fun for Cloudflare's founder
On this week's Most Innovative Companies podcast, Cloudflare COO Michelle Zatlyn talks with Fast Company staff writer David Salazar about hitting $1B in revenue and going global, as well as why defending businesses of all sizes online is more necessary than ever.
