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Determinants of firms' decisions to block AI crawlers: Strategic insights from the BEDC framework

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  • Cheng, Chiang-Yu

Abstract

The rise of AI crawlers has intensified firms' concerns over digital asset protection and competitive visibility. This study develops the BEDC Framework—encompassing Business Competition, Engineering Constraints, Domain Authority, and Commerce & Monetization—to conceptualize strategic determinants of AI crawler governance. An empirical analysis of 100 top-ranking global websites reveals significant variation in crawler restriction practices, highlighting the interplay between strategic imperatives and governance behaviors. The findings advance understanding of firm-centric technology governance in the context of automated data extraction, offering insights into how organizations strategically balance protection, accessibility, and monetization.

Suggested Citation

  • Cheng, Chiang-Yu, 2025. "Determinants of firms' decisions to block AI crawlers: Strategic insights from the BEDC framework," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 219(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:tefoso:v:219:y:2025:i:c:s0040162525003063
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2025.124275
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    References listed on IDEAS

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