This guide helps website owners deter harmful activity without blocking accessibility tools, privacy tools, or legitimate automated submissions. All recommendations are barrier‑free and human‑centered.
Recommended wording:
“Legitimate automation such as accessibility tools, password managers, form autofill, and approved integrations is welcome. We only restrict abusive or harmful automated activity.”
Avoid vague terms like “no bots.” Instead, describe the behavior that is not allowed.
Recommended wording:
“Harmful activity includes mass‑submission attacks, credential‑stuffing, scraping intended to overload the service, harassment, and attempts to bypass protective systems.”
Recommended wording:
“Our protective measures exist to keep the service reliable and safe for everyone. They are designed to be humane, privacy‑respecting, and accessible.”
Recommended wording:
“If unusual or high‑volume activity is detected, your request may be slowed or limited. This is a safety measure, not a judgment.”
Recommended wording:
“If you operate an automated system that interacts with this service, please ensure it behaves responsibly, respects rate limits, and identifies itself when appropriate.”
Recommended wording:
“Privacy tools and hardened browsers are welcome. If your environment is highly restricted, some protective features may behave differently, but you will never be blocked solely for using privacy software.”
Recommended wording:
“If you experience difficulty submitting a form or completing an action, please contact us. We will assist you without requiring puzzles, images, or audio challenges.”
Recommended passive techniques include:
These deter abuse without harming legitimate users.
Recommended wording:
“This service logs technical signals to detect harmful behavior. Attempts to exploit, overload, or misuse the system may be automatically limited.”
Do not use:
These statements alienate legitimate users and violate barrier‑free principles.
Recommended wording:
“Abusive behavior includes automated attacks, mass submissions intended to disrupt service, unauthorized scraping, harassment, and attempts to bypass protective systems.”
Recommended wording:
“If you believe your activity was incorrectly limited, please contact us. We will review the situation promptly.”
Recommended wording:
“Thank you for helping keep this service safe, accessible, and welcoming for everyone.”