Cloudflare widens Project Galileo to help media control AI access
Cloudflare has announced it will expand Project Galileo to offer nonprofits and independent media organisations greater control over how artificial intelligence services access and use their online content, at no cost.
The expansion means that more than 750 journalists, independent news outlets, and other non-profits participating in Project Galileo will gain free access to Cloudflare's Bot Management and AI Crawl Control services. These tools are aimed at helping organisations prevent unwanted bot and AI crawler activity on their websites.
Challenges in the AI era
Media organisations and nonprofits, particularly those operating at the local level or under restrictive regimes, face significant challenges as the adoption of AI intensifies in the digital landscape. These challenges are compounded by the public's increasing tendency to seek information from AI models rather than visiting the originating websites, which can reduce reader engagement and put vital revenue streams at risk.
This trend poses a threat to the sustainability of news organisations, as it disrupts their ability to connect with audiences, disseminate accurate information, and generate crucial funding. The shift also raises concerns for communities potentially losing access to local and trusted news sources.
"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."
Initially launched in 2014, Project Galileo was created to protect vulnerable groups - such as journalists, human rights defenders, and certain nonprofits - from cyber threats. Earlier in the year, Cloudflare had introduced controls and monitoring tools to help large publishers manage how AI crawlers accessed content. The extension of these services to smaller and independent groups reflects a broader commitment to supporting public interest organisations as they adapt to the evolving digital environment.
Cloudflare has also pledged to further expand access to AI-related tools that can help nonprofits and public interest organisations innovate and pursue their missions using AI technology.
Reactions from independent media advocates
"In an era defined by AI and digital disruption, providing robust tools to independent media isn't just support - it's a lifeline," said Meera Selva, CEO of Internews Europe. "Cloudflare's commitment to equipping Internews and its partners with secure, Business-level access has empowered journalists in high-risk environments to withstand cyber threats and uphold press freedom. Because when information flows safely, communities thrive."
Sarah Gustavus Lim, Membership Director at LION, added: "Independent publishers need tools that are easy to use and affordable, so they can focus on growing their business. LION appreciates the security and protection Cloudflare has provided our members through Project Galileo for years, and we're excited to see more resources now available to help members manage the rapidly evolving landscape of digital security."
Ryan Powell, Head of Innovation and Media Business at International Press Institute, emphasised the link between digital tools and editorial independence. "Independent media's ability to fulfil its democratic function by gathering news and distributing trusted information depends on generating revenues free from political or business influence. By monitoring and monetising the crawling of publisher's sites, media can protect their intellectual property while developing new revenue streams to support their quality journalism."
Looking ahead
As part of this expanded initiative, Cloudflare will continue providing its digital security tools to media and nonprofits, aiming to balance the benefits of AI with the rights and sustainability of content creators. The company's continued support for protecting intellectual property and offering monetisation options aligns with its stated belief in the importance of a healthy, independent media ecosystem for society as a whole.
