The term BOTS refers to software applications that automatically perform tasks on the internet. Basically, BOTS perform simple and repetitive tasks at an extremely high rate that is impossible for manual operations. BOTS are mostly used in web ‘spidering’ (Spinello, 2011). This refers to the process of fetching, analyzing and filing information from a web server by an automated script. This is usually done at a speed that is manually impossible. Rules for the ‘spidering’ process are contained in files known as ‘robots.txt’ and the BOT is expected to obey these rules (Spinello, 2011). BOTS are also used in cases where an extremely fast response speed is required, for example, auction-site robots. Currently, BOTS are also used in search advertising.
The Internet has evolved from being a simple academic and research network to a major source of e-commerce. Therefore, it is necessary for the content to be regulated because more people globally are getting easy access to and the internet is becoming even more complex. During the early 1990s, legislative attempts were made to regulate the internet. Some of these attempts were a success, but most of them were not. National and international cooperative entities have taken the initiative to develop and regulate the internet, mainly software and protocol infrastructure (Spinello, 2011). Laws covering fraud, obscenity and copyright are used to regulate content. However, conflict may arise due to the global nature of internet and different laws that exist in different countries (Pike, 2006)
To provide solutions for regulating internet, IT specialists have developed BOTS that aid internet users in filtering spam (unwanted mail) and pornographic material. Internet users are, therefore, given control over what they want to receive and see (Spinello, 2011). This is particularly beneficial to parents and teachers as they are now able to control what their children and students have access to online (Chen, Longstaff & Carley, 2004).
References
Chen, L., Longstaff, T. and Carley, K. (2004). The economic incentives of providing network security services on the Internet infrastructure. Journal of Information Technology Management, 15(3)1–13.
Pike G.H. (2006). Three degrees of internet regulation. Information Today. Web.
Spinello, R. (2011). CyberEthics: Morality and law in cyberspace (4th Ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers.