Strava restricts data access, charges developers ahead of IPO
Original: Strava declares war on scrapers ahead of IPO
Why This Matters
Shows how platforms are monetizing data access as AI training demands escalate
Strava implements authentication requirements for public data viewing and introduces $11.99 monthly developer fees to combat AI scraping. The fitness platform protects user data as developer community grows from 185,000 to 241,000 members.
Strava is restricting website access and charging developers to prevent AI companies from scraping its data. The company now requires authentication to view public profiles and fitness club listings, previously accessible without login. Developers must pay $11.99 monthly for API access, replacing the previous free tiered program. CEO Michael Martin said AI companies are ruthlessly scraping public websites, degrading site performance. Strava plans to retire certain API endpoints and add Model Context Protocol support for structured data sharing. The company refused overtures from AI labs seeking data licensing deals and gave developers a 90-day grace period before implementing changes.