As the stewards of ethical web data collection, the Ethical Web Data Collection Initiative (EWDCI) believes that clarity, accountability, and collaboration are foundational to a thriving, responsible web data ecosystem.

Our Core Principles:

Legality

Responsible web data collection begins with the law. EWDCI members commit to operating within relevant legislation and regulation in every jurisdiction where they work. This includes copyright, anti-hacking, contract, and data protection laws, as well as emerging frameworks such as the GDPR and CCPA. Members strive to stay current with evolving judicial and regulatory developments worldwide. We also recognize that legality is a moving target, and we see compliance as a floor, not a ceiling, for responsible practice.

Ethics

Beyond legal compliance, EWDCI members hold themselves to an ethical framework that governs how websites, customers, proxies, and data are treated.
     Websites: We respect the functionality of websites and set rate limits responsibly, balancing innovation with operational fairness.
     Customers: We apply Know Your Customer (KYC) practices, especially when high-risk tools like residential IPs are involved, to ensure services are used ethically and by legitimate organizations.
     Proxies: We commit to sourcing proxies ethically, with informed consent and in compliance with data protection standards.
     Data: We collect and use data in ways that anticipate and mitigate risks of misuse, ensuring that data practices serve constructive ends rather than harmful exploitation.

Social Responsibility

Web data should be used to benefit society as well as business. EWDCI members pledge to support collaborations that advance education, research, public safety, and environmental causes. Where appropriate, members donate or analyze data for nonprofit and academic partners. We see these commitments not as charitable add-ons, but as core to building trust and demonstrating the positive role that ethical web data collection can play in the world.

Ecosystem Engagement

Web data collection does not exist in isolation. It is part of the broader Internet ecosystem. Members recognize their responsibility to strengthen that ecosystem through openness, accessibility, and collaboration. We support data accessibility to nurture entrepreneurship, promote healthy competition, and commit to having a seat at the table in developing industry standards. By engaging with peers, policymakers, and civil society, we aim to ensure that web data collection supports a free, open, and innovative Internet for all.

Our Committment:

Together, these four pillars of legality, ethics, social responsibility, and ecosystem engagement define a responsible, transparent, and accountable approach to web data collection. By working collectively, EWDCI members are shaping an industry that is ethical, innovative, and essential to the health of the Internet.

The principles outlined here are not merely guidelines; they are commitments. They reflect the collective voice of an industry determined to define its own future with integrity, transparency, and respect for the individuals and systems that comprise the Internet.

What you see above is a summary of the four core pillars that guide EWDCI’s work. For the complete text of our Principles, with all details and context, please download and read the full document here:

A Framework for the Future

These principles are part of a broader framework we are actively developing to promote legal clarity and industry accountability. We envision a participatory, evolving set of standards, shaped by input from the full range of stakeholders: from technologists to lawmakers, academics to advocates.

The EWDCI believes web scraping, when practiced ethically, is not only compatible with a free and open Internet but essential to it. We welcome your insights and invite you to help define what responsible data aggregation looks like in practice.

About EWDCI + i2Coalition

The Ethical Web Data Collection Initiative (EWDCI) seeks to foster cooperation in the web data collection and aggregation industry and leverage collective first-hand knowledge and insights to advocate for beneficial technical standards and business best practices regarding the aggregation of data. The EWDCI is dedicated to serving as the voice of the industry, collaboratively strengthening public trust in the practice of Data Aggregation, promoting ethical guidelines, and helping businesses make informed data aggregation choices. 

The Internet Infrastructure Coalition (i2Coalition, i2C) is the leading voice for web hosting companies, data centers, domain registrars and registries, cloud infrastructure providers, managed services providers, and related tech. The i2C works with Internet infrastructure providers to advocate for sensible policies, design and reinforce best practices, help create industry standards, and build awareness of how the Internet works. The i2Coalition also spearheaded the creation of the VPN Trust Initiative, which determined and promoted best practices for that vital industry.