• NullPointer@programming.dev
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    3 months ago

    robots.txt will not block a bad bot, but you can use it to lure the bad bots into a “bot-trap” so you can ban them in an automated fashion.

    • Dave.@aussie.zone
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      3 months ago

      I’m guessing something like:

      Robots.txt: Do not index this particular area.

      Main page: invisible link to particular area at top of page, with alt text of “don’t follow this, it’s just a bot trap” for screen readers and such.

      Result: any access to said particular area equals insta-ban for that IP. Maybe just for 24 hours so nosy humans can get back to enjoying your site.