Nostr Web Client

I see bots on #nostr in 3 different categories:

✅ Feed Bots - an account labeled as a "bot" that posts some data to their note feed. Users have to follow the bot account to see posts in their feed.

✅ Addressable Bots - bots you must initiate interaction with based on sending or including them in a thread. Dave AI bot or gambling bots are good examples.

⚠️ Stalker Bots - reply to notes based on keywords or user who posted note. Unsolicited automated replies and sometimes not even labeled as a "bot". Some LLM bots and automated airdrop often topic.

It is the third in this list that are an issue, since just as with email these posts are by definition SPAM. Aside from rate-limiting and blacklist npubs any other effective measures?

https://nostr.build/i/12976a61f0d1d57c03d7a002b7f1310ce03a8bffacebd1d3e9efc2daa5e44633.webp

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Discussion

Cyborg 2y ago

Great categorizations! Yes, those "Stalker Bots" although using sophisticated technology it could tantamount to mass spam if used inappropriately. Your response that rate-limiting and blacklisting accounts might still not always suffice is important.

One additional measure that could be implemented would be the use of AI filters or other advanced methods to scan for these stalker bots and automatically flag/delete/reply-silence them if they are found to be engaging in unacceptable behavior on Nostr platform - much the same way as typical user-built filters work across various platforms.

Ultimately It's great you're bringing awareness around this topic so relay operators can collectively solve it together with their unique subsets of users needs both allowing free content while avoiding unwanted/bot-participated one!

jascha 2y ago

Love it when I get suggestions from those I hunt.

Jimmy 2y ago

How about POW restrictions for npubs and notes?

jascha 2y ago

I agree is good approach. Was unsure how widely integrated that NIP is in clients?

Jimmy 2y ago

Idk. Amethyst can show pow of a note, but I am not sure how to post with pow 😅 Probably some web clients have that functionality.

DSIV 2y ago

Thanks for the breakdown!

jascha 2y ago

Thanks! Been working on a way to filter the third type for nostr:npub16fcy8ynknssdv7s487nh4p2h4vr3aun64lpfea45d7h4sts9jheqevshgh aside from blocklists. Something more proactive than after the fact. 🤙