Federal Register Limits Automated Access to Public Records

Automated access restricted

FederalRegister.gov and eCFR.gov are limiting programmatic access in response to aggressive automated scraping, an official government access page states. The restriction affects automated requests to the two federal websites rather than public policy on pests, disease prevention or outdoor recreation.

The page directs automated users to the Federal Register and Electronic Code of Federal Regulations developer APIs. Those tools are intended to provide programmatic access without scraping the public-facing websites. The access notice does not identify a federal agency action, proposed rule, final rule, executive order or public-comment period concerning disease-carrying pests.

Access for human users

People who encounter the restriction while visiting the websites can complete a CAPTCHA and select “Request Access.” The page says visitors may occasionally have to complete the test again as part of the government sites’ security measures.

A site-help form is available for people experiencing CAPTCHA problems or seeking access for a wider range of internet addresses. The form requests a name and email address, allows an attachment and warns users not to submit confidential information or personal data.

The notice is an access-control message, not a policy record. It does not set pest-eradication goals, identify affected lands, assign responsibilities to an agency or establish a timeline for government action. Any federal proposal addressing pests or public enjoyment of outdoor areas would require its own official record before its terms and process could be assessed.