Global online traffic driven by AI agents jumped nearly 8000 percent last year, according to a report by Human Security. The sharp rise signals a rapid shift in how automated systems interact with the internet, raising concerns about fraud and abuse risks.
The company’s data shows that AI-driven traffic now accounts for a significant share of total web requests. Experts warn this could overwhelm platforms already struggling with bot detection. Human Security did not specify which sectors saw the highest increases but noted the trend spans industries from e-commerce to social media.
Researchers attribute the surge to the growing use of autonomous agents designed to perform tasks without human input. These systems range from customer service bots to data scrapers, often operating at speeds and volumes that exceed human capabilities. The lack of standardized oversight complicates efforts to distinguish legitimate use from malicious activity.
Human Security’s report highlights the need for stronger defenses as AI agents become more sophisticated. The company recommends platforms implement stricter verification measures to curb potential misuse. Failure to adapt could leave systems vulnerable to exploitation, it argues.
The findings come as regulators worldwide begin scrutinizing AI’s role in digital ecosystems. Earlier this year, the EU proposed new rules to classify high-risk AI applications, including autonomous agents. The proposal awaits final approval.
Source: digi.no