RSL Standard: A New Way for Web Publishers to Get Paid by AI Companies

AI developers are increasingly using online content to train their systems, often without compensating the original creators. The RSL Standard changes that. This new licensing framework allows web publishers to define how AI systems can use their content and ensures fair compensation. Big names like Reddit, Yahoo, Quora, and Medium are already supporting RSL, signaling a shift in how the internet manages content rights in the age of AI.

How the RSL Standard Works for Websites

The RSL Standard builds on the long-standing robots.txt protocol, which traditionally allowed websites to block or permit web crawlers. Unlike the simple yes/no rules of robots.txt, RSL lets publishers embed licensing terms and royalty requirements directly into their content. Websites can now define payment rules for text, videos, images, and other data used for AI training, giving creators more control over how their work is used.

The People Behind the RSL Standard

The RSL Standard was developed by the RSL Collective, led by Eckart Walther, co-creator of RSS, and Doug Leeds, former CEO of IAC Publishing and Ask.com. The duo aims to create a scalable business model for online content that recognizes and rewards creators. By introducing licensing and compensation rights at the infrastructure level, RSL could redefine the relationship between publishers and AI companies.

Why the RSL Standard Matters for the Future of AI

As AI systems become more powerful, the demand for high-quality training data is skyrocketing. The RSL Standard provides a framework that balances innovation with fairness, ensuring creators are paid while AI developers continue to access valuable data. By joining forces, publishers are setting a precedent for responsible AI use, potentially influencing industry standards and legal policies worldwide.