New AI Browsers Promise Multistep Automated Workflows

Opera's launch of Neon artificial intelligence (AI) browser, available for $20 a month, marks a significant expansion in the field of agentic browsers that promise multistep automated workflows. This development is part of a growing trend in Silicon Valley, driven by the desire to automate online work. For website owners, this means that AI-powered browsers like Opera's Neon may significantly alter the landscape of website interactions, potentially increasing the volume of automated traffic to their sites. As these browsers automate multistep workflows, website owners may see changes in user behavior patterns, such as more efficient form filling, automated data extraction, or even automated content generation. This could lead to new challenges in distinguishing between human and bot traffic, emphasizing the need for robust tracking and monitoring tools. To prepare for this shift, website owners can take several actionable steps: firstly, review and update their llms.txt files to account for the potential increase in automated traffic; secondly, implement advanced bot detection and filtering mechanisms to accurately identify and manage AI-powered browser interactions; and thirdly, monitor website analytics closely to understand the impact of these new browsers on user engagement and conversion rates.