Automated Content Access Protocol
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Automated Content Access Protocol ("ACAP") is a proposed method of providing machine-readable permissions information for content. This will allow automated processes (such as search-engine web crawling) to be compliant with publishers policies without the need for human interpretation of legal terms. In this role it can be considered as an extension to the Robots Exclusion Standard for communicating website access information to automated web crawlers. However ACAP is also intended for other applications where rights and permissions need to be provided in machine-readable form.
ACAP will be developed by the publishing industry with technical partners (including search engines). As of November 2006, it has completed a feasibility stage and was formally announced at the Frankfurt Book Fair on 6th October 2006. A pilot program is planned to commence in November 2006. The participants in the pilot will be formally announced at the commencement of the project.
