Patreon Blocks AI Training Crawlers from Using Creator Content
Key Takeaways
- ▸Patreon now blocks AI training crawlers by default at the network level
- ▸Partnership with Cloudflare enables granular control over search, agent, and training bot access
- ▸CEO Jack Conte reiterates creator rights framework: consent, credit, and compensation
Summary
Patreon announced a partnership with Cloudflare to block AI training crawlers from accessing and using creator content without permission or compensation. The blocking is now live at the network level across all Patreon posts. CEO Jack Conte emphasized that "creators deserve credit, compensation, and consent," and stated that if these conditions aren't met, crawlers should be blocked from the platform entirely. The move builds on Cloudflare's existing AI bot controls, which offer website owners granular options to block training and agent crawlers while permitting search crawlers. Patreon continues to allow AI-generated content on its platform, provided it complies with content guidelines requiring explicit consent for hyperrealistic depictions of real people.
- Reflects growing push-back against AI companies using creator content for model training without permission