Making the internet better for AI agents might make it worse for everyone else
This story originally appeared in The Algorithm, our weekly newsletter on AI. To get stories like this in your inbox first, sign up here. Until recently, you could divide internet users into just two categories: bots and people. Websites have long allowed bots to perform automated tasks, like capturing the content of web pages, but rules…
In a world where personal AI agents are increasingly interacting with the internet, the experience for all users may be negatively impacted. These agents, which can perform tasks such as booking flights or hotel rooms, have rapidly gained popularity, with Meta's Muse app alone being downloaded 5 million times in its first month.
This surge in agentic web traffic has led to many websites blocking AI agents, as they disrupt the rules designed to differentiate between bots and human users. Some platforms, particularly those with strong security measures, have opted to ban AI agents entirely, causing frustration for early adopters. However, as the use of personal agents becomes more common, platforms may find ways to accommodate them, such as by creating dedicated checkout lanes for e-commerce sites.
The main concern is that the internet may be redesigned to prioritize agents over humans, resulting in a less user-friendly experience for those who remain. This shift could lead to more intrusive verification systems, inconsistent pricing, and advertisements that influence AI agent recommendations. While AI agents may eventually empower consumers with more bargaining power, the rules governing their interactions with websites are still being determined.
The outcome will depend on whether businesses can block agents from their sites or prevent them from negotiating better deals for consumers. Balancing the benefits of AI agents for consumers and businesses will be crucial in shaping the future of the internet.
Written by urgent.news from MIT Technology Review's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
