Beyond IP lists: a registry format for bots and agents

Cloudflare's proposal of an open registry format for Web Bot Auth to move beyond IP-based identity allows any origin to discover and verify cryptographic keys for bots, fostering a decentralized and more trustworthy ecosystem. This development is particularly significant as it enables a more secure and reliable way to identify and manage AI bot traffic on websites. For website owners, this means a potential shift away from relying solely on IP lists to manage bot traffic, which can be cumbersome and prone to errors. With a decentralized registry format, website owners can more accurately identify and verify legitimate bots, reducing the risk of incorrectly blocking or allowing malicious traffic. This can lead to improved website security, reduced latency, and enhanced overall user experience. To prepare for this change, website owners can take several actionable steps: (1) monitor Cloudflare's Web Bot Auth developments and consider participating in the registry format pilot programs to stay ahead of the curve; (2) review their current bot management strategies and assess the potential benefits of transitioning to a cryptographic key-based system; and (3) update their llms.txt files to reflect the new registry format, ensuring seamless integration with the proposed ecosystem.