Really Simple Licensing Standard (RSL)
Tags: Frameworks
TL;DR
- RSL lets publishers embed machine-readable licensing terms directly into web infrastructure.
- It supports attribution rules, fees, and pay-per-crawl or pay-per-inference models via an Open Licensing Protocol.
Why it matters for HK marketers: RSL turns passive bot blocking into active monetization and control of how AI systems use your content.
What RSL enables
- Usage and compensation terms: Define when and how content may be used and paid for.
- Workflow automation: Use an Open Licensing Protocol to negotiate and enforce terms at scale.
- Pricing control: Set fees for content otherwise ingested without compensation.
Commercial levers
- Attribution requirements: Standardize how and when you are credited.
- Tiered payments: Choose per-crawl or per-inference depending on model use.
- Auditability: Machine-readable terms simplify enforcement and dispute resolution.
RSL embeds machine-readable licensing terms directly into websites.
So what for marketers
Adopt RSL to set clear, enforceable terms for AI access—protecting brand, traffic, and revenue while enabling compliant use.
Sources:- IAB_AI_Intellectual_Property_and_Transactions_Digital_Advertising_Playbook_December_2025.pdf
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