diff --git a/bingbot-extrastep.md b/bingbot-extrastep.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..76d134d --- /dev/null +++ b/bingbot-extrastep.md @@ -0,0 +1,41 @@ +# Bing (bingbot) + +It's not well publicised, but Bing uses the data it crawls for AI and training. + +However, the current thinking is, blocking a search engine of this size using `robots.txt` seems a quite drastic approach as it is second only to Google and could significantly impact your website in search results. + +Additionally, Bing powers a number of search engines such as Yahoo and AOL, and its search results are also used in Duck Duck Go, amongst others. + +It does have a relatively simple opt-out method, but does require an additional step. + + +## How to opt-out of AI training + +You must add a metatag in the `` of your webpage. This also needs to be added to every page on your website. + +The line you need to add is: +``` + +``` + +By adding this line, you are signifying to Bing: "Do not use the content for training Microsoft's generative AI foundation models." + + +## Will my site be negatively affected + +Simple answer, no. +The original use of "noarchive" has been retired by all search engines. Google retired its use in 2024. + +The use of this metatag will not impact your site in search engines or in any other meaningful way if you add it to your page(s). + +It is now solely used by a handful of crawlers, such as Bingbot and Amazonbot, to signify to them not to use your data for AI/training. + + + +## Resources + +Bing Blog AI opt-out announcement: +https://blogs.bing.com/webmaster/september-2023/Announcing-new-options-for-webmasters-to-control-usage-of-their-content-in-Bing-Chat + +Bing metatag information, including AI opt-out: +https://www.bing.com/webmasters/help/which-robots-metatags-does-bing-support-5198d240