Strava blames zero-code AI apps and scrapers as it tightens API access Strava has begun charging developers a $11.99 per month subscription fee to access its data via its API. The company attributes this change to a significant increase in AI scraping and the misuse of its API by intermediaries, which has degraded platform performance. Previously, developers could access Strava’s API for free, with expanded access granted based on user growth.

• Strava is now charging developers $11.99 per month for API access.
• The company cites a 448% increase in developer applications and API scraping attempts as reasons for the change.
• These issues have led to degraded platform performance and policy violations by API intermediaries.
• Strava’s new policy aims to curb the impact of ‘zero-code AI tools’ that can overload APIs.
• This follows similar API access fee implementations by platforms like Reddit.
• The new restriction does not affect wearable and device integrations or users’ ability to download their data for free.
• Strava had previously restricted data shown by third-party apps in 2024 and dropped a patent infringement lawsuit against Garmin. Continue reading https://www.theverge.com/gadgets/940854/strava-restricts-api-access-ai-apps