The Open Web is now the ‘Controlled Web’Only 18,5% of the world’s most-visited landing pages are operating without any technical barrier to automated access, according to a new study by Web data extraction specialist Zyte. * Only 18,5% operate without detectable barriers, suggesting a shift in the “Open Web”. Industries are facing a strategic decision: allow open access to maximise visibility in AI search, or erect technical barriers to protect their content. “State of Web Access 2026 gives data teams the clearest picture yet of exactly what they’re up against and what it takes to operate reliably at scale,” Evans adds. For anyone building systems that depend on Web data – whether for AI training, price intelligence, or market research – understanding these access patterns isn’t optional anymore.