Policy · 1h ago
Meta AI bots hit 9B requests in Q2 2026, drive zero traffic to publishers
Meta's AI bots generated 9 billion requests to publisher sites in Q2 2026, but sent no referral traffic, according to a new report. In contrast, ChatGPT accounted for 88% of all AI-driven referrals. The findings highlight the growing cost of AI bot traffic for publishers with no return.
Meridian48 take
The report underscores a growing imbalance where AI companies benefit from publisher content without reciprocating traffic, raising questions about fair use and the sustainability of open web content.
Read the full reporting
Meta’s AI bots drain publisher pockets with 9 billion Q2 2026 requests at host expense while returning ZERO traffic — as ChatGPT claims 88% of AI referrals →
TechRadar
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