Cloudflare introduces Accountable AI crawler designation to let sites block training without losing search visibility
Cloudflare launches new controls and an Accountable designation, backed by Apple, Google, and Microsoft, that allow site owners to disallow AI training while remaining discoverable in search.
Briefing
- Cloudflare Ai Bots: Cloudflare launches new controls and an Accountable designation, backed by Apple, Google, and Microsoft, that allow site owners to disallow AI training while remaining discoverable in search.
Why it matters
This addresses a growing tension for publishers who want to block AI model training but fear losing search traffic. By creating a shared standard with major search engines, Cloudflare gives site owners a practical middle ground that could become an industry norm for AI crawler governance.
Sources
- Primary source · Cloudflare Ai Bots · 2026-09-15 — Have it both ways: stay discoverable in search while disallowing AI training
Watch next
Will other search engines and AI companies adopt the Accountable designation, or will fragmentation persist?