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An update on Wayback Machine access

685 points · 362 comments · ChrisArchitect

  1. simonw · · focus · HN ↗
    > Here’s what’s going on. The Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine has been hit by waves of high-volume automated traffic, and we’ve put protections in place to keep the service running.

    I'm pretty certain this is scrapers that are trying to workaround blocks on accessing original sites by hitting the Wayback Machine copy instead. Appalling behavior.

    In addition to the load it puts on this vital non-profit piece of Internet infrastructure, we've also already seen some sites opt out of the Wayback Machine to prevent their content from being scraped via this alternative route.

    1. Kodiack · · focus · HN ↗
      I run some small websites, including a tiny forum that’s been a goldmine for scrapers. I had to significantly tweak some firewall rules and configuration after scrapers behind residential proxies suddenly accounted for over 99% of requests.

      However, I also relaxed rules for automated traffic that was well-behaved, and I went out of my way to ensure that the Wayback Machine was able to hit everything. I should kick a small donation their way. They provide an incredibly valuable service and I love the benefit that I get from them just for personal side projects.

      1. 4thguy · · focus · HN ↗
        Kudos on that. I don't know what site you're hosting, but I appreciate knowing that it is there
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