Free access to AI Crawl Control and Bot Management gives independent media and NGOs more control over how AI platforms use their content
Cloudflare has announced that its Project Galileo initiative will now extend to protecting independent media and non-profits from unwanted AI crawlers—at no cost. With this expansion, over 750 participating journalists, NGOs, and news organizations worldwide will gain access to Cloudflare’s Bot Management and AI Crawl Control tools, allowing them to monitor and restrict how AI services collect and use their original content.
The move comes at a critical time as independent publishers, particularly those in local or repressive environments, struggle to sustain operations in the AI-driven era. As readers increasingly turn to generative AI tools for information, fewer are visiting the original news sites, undermining revenue models and threatening the survival of independent journalism.
“I believe in journalism, and I believe that the health of local, independent news is essential for a healthy Internet and a healthy society,” said Matthew Prince, Co-founder and CEO of Cloudflare. “When we started Project Galileo, we wanted to help stop cyberattacks from suppressing the online voices of journalists and human rights workers. Now, that vision is expanding and we want to ensure the evolution of AI works in their favor, not against it.”
Cloudflare’s expanded support aims to provide a lifeline. Meera Selva, CEO of Internews Europe, highlighted the impact: “In an era defined by AI and digital disruption, providing robust tools to independent media isn’t just support – it’s a lifeline. Cloudflare’s commitment has empowered journalists in high-risk environments to withstand cyber threats and uphold press freedom.”
Since its launch in 2014, Project Galileo has shielded journalists, human rights defenders, and vulnerable groups from cyberattacks. With this new layer of protection, participants will be better positioned to adapt to the evolving AI landscape, defend their intellectual property, and even explore new revenue opportunities through controlled content access.
By extending enterprise-grade AI security tools for free, Cloudflare is reinforcing its mission to build a safer, more open internet while ensuring independent voices continue to thrive in the digital age.
