How to block bulk downloaders?
 

Searched and searched, but I think I'm probably ignorant of the correct terms to search for, because I came up empty.

Can anyone tell me the best way to block users from using bulk downloader software? I run a pay site that is protected by htaccess(Yes, I know I need something better). Too many people sign up, use software to download every video in the course of two days, then go to the processor and demand a refund. How do I limit their downloads without interfering with good members' ability to watch videos?

I've not had this problem before or thought about it, but here are some suggestions:

- Can you add a CAPTCHA to your website before playing the videos?

- The download software may use a different browser user agent setting that you can code against.

- Write software to record user activity that will flag you when they are downloading everything.

Rgds

You can set a max download per ip/day.

This is what I did. We set a download limit on images, and anything that breaks that limit in a short period of time gets blacklisted automatically.
Generally the limit would be impossible to hit for a normal person just watching or viewing images, but it works pretty well on the batch downloaders.

It is the best solution.

But what exactly stops someone to download all the content available? I mean, what's the difference in doing this in one day or in one year? Not sure if I'm clear enough...

I think your Terms of Service should have a paragraph saying that if the system detect that the user downloaded a X amount of data, they will not be able to get a refund. This way I think you will be protected against this kind of user.

It's really simple. Your script will end their session if they go past the set limit. In your TOS simply state that piracy is not allowed and does not entitle one to a refund. For example here's the verbiage we use; "Cosplay Deviants reserves all other rights coincident or related to the Site. The use of download managers, for example Gozilla, Wget, HTTrack, or others - to download more than one (1) image or movie file at a time, which is available for download, is strictly prohibited and will result in termination of a Users right to access any portion of the Site ."