Strava blames zero-code AI apps and scrapers as it tightens API access
The Verge
Strava is restricting API access and implementing fees to combat AI scraping and zero-code application surges.Summary
Strava is changing its developer policy by requiring a $11.99 monthly subscription for API access. The company cited a 448% year-to-date increase in developer applications and noted that "zero-code AI tools" are being used to create apps that overload their systems, leading to policy violations and degraded platform performance.
This move follows similar trends seen with platforms like Reddit. While API access is now monetized, Strava clarified that these restrictions will not affect wearable device integrations or the ability for users to download their own data for free. Interestingly, the company also announced a new tool allowing users to link fitness data, such as heart rate and GPS, to Claude.
(Source：The Verge)