> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://documentation.freshpaint.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://documentation.freshpaint.io/readme/bot-blocking.md).

# Bot Blocking

When bot blocking is enabled, Freshpaint automatically classifies each incoming event and prevents bot traffic from being delivered to destinations or counting towards MTUs. Bot blocking is not enabled by default.

## 1. Functionality

Freshpaint applies a `$source_classification` property to every event at ingestion. This property indicates whether the event originated from a known bot or from regular traffic. It is present on all events regardless of whether bot blocking is enabled for the account.

<table><thead><tr><th width="162">Classification</th><th width="532">Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><code>UNCLASSIFIED</code></td><td>Traffic that does not match any known bot pattern. This typically represents normal user activity.</td></tr><tr><td><code>KNOWN_BOT</code></td><td>Traffic that matches known user agents for web crawlers such as Googlebot, Applebot, Bingbot, and others.</td></tr><tr><td><code>AWS_BOT</code></td><td>Traffic that matches a specific bot pattern observed on AWS infrastructure, identified by a combination of browser characteristics and source IP address.</td></tr></tbody></table>

When bot blocking is not enabled, all events, including those classified as bots, are delivered to destinations normally.

When bot blocking is active on an account:

* Events with a `$source_classification` of `KNOWN_BOT` or `AWS_BOT` are **not delivered** to any destination.
* Blocked bot events do **not count** towards MTU usage.
* Blocked events still appear in [Traces](/admin-panel/investigate-testing-and-debugging/traces.md) with a **Bot Detected** status for debugging purposes.

### Viewing Source Classifications

In [Traces](/admin-panel/investigate-testing-and-debugging/traces.md), events classified as bots display a **Bot Detected** status. Use the status filter to isolate these events.

<figure><img src="/files/wLpIIDV7hk2Y2FOf2hi4" alt="&#x22;Event Verification&#x22; library with &#x22;bot detected&#x22; status checked. Shows traces with status &#x22;bot detected&#x22;."><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

## 3. Enable Bot Blocking

To request bot blocking, contact a Freshpaint representative or email **<support@freshpaint.io>**.