Making the internet better for AI agents might make it worse for everyone else
Millions of AI agents are descending on a web built for humans. Websites are trying to keep them out, but the arrival of these new visitors could transform the internet.
TL;DR
- Personal AI agents are a new category of web visitor, distinct from bots and humans.
- The launch of apps like OpenAI's Dots and Meta's Muse has led to a surge in agentic web traffic.
- Many websites are blocking AI agents, causing difficulties for users and leading to legal battles.
- If demand for agents increases, the internet may be redesigned to prioritize them over human users.
- AI agents have the potential to offer significant benefits, such as helping consumers with tasks like fighting medical bills or researching insurance.
- The rules governing AI agents' interactions with websites will determine whether they benefit or harm users.
- E-commerce sites are a primary destination for agentic web traffic, with some platforms like Shopify already creating special pathways for them.