FederalRegister.gov Implements Access Restrictions to Combat Automated Scraping
Last updated 2026-10-15 · Source: FDA
Primary source: FDA: FederalRegister.gov Implements Access Restrictions to Combat Automated Scraping
The Federal Register has announced limitations on programmatic access to FederalRegister.gov and eCFR.gov due to aggressive automated scraping. Users seeking programmatic access are directed to utilize the developer APIs, while human users may be required to complete CAPTCHA verification.
What this means for your practice
For healthcare businesses, particularly those with sophisticated regulatory monitoring systems or compliance infrastructure, these access limitations necessitate a review of how regulatory updates from FederalRegister.gov and eCFR.gov are obtained. While most individual practices or small telehealth operations manually access these sites, larger organizations or compliance technology providers may rely on automated scraping. This change means such entities must now adapt to using official developer APIs for programmatic access, or ensure manual processes account for CAPTCHA requirements. Failure to adjust could result in delayed access to critical regulatory announcements.
Washington, D.C. — The Federal Register, the official journal of the U.S. government, has announced the implementation of limitations on programmatic access to its websites, FederalRegister.gov and eCFR.gov. This measure is a direct response to what the agency describes as “aggressive automated scraping” activities.
Understanding the New Access Protocols
Effective immediately, any programmatic access to FederalRegister.gov and eCFR.gov is now restricted. This means automated systems attempting to retrieve data from these sites will encounter limitations.
For entities that require automated access to regulatory information, the Federal Register has directed users to its extensive developer APIs. Comprehensive documentation for these APIs is available on both FederalRegister.gov and eCFR.gov, providing the necessary resources for developers to integrate with the official data feeds.
Implications for Human Users and Troubleshooting
While the primary target of these restrictions is automated scraping, human users may also occasionally encounter access challenges. If a user's request is flagged as potentially automated, they will be required to complete a CAPTCHA (bot test) to gain access. The system is designed to occasionally re-prompt for CAPTCHA completion as a part of ongoing security measures.
Users experiencing persistent issues with CAPTCHA verification or those requiring a wider IP range for legitimate access are advised to utilize the “Site Help” button located on the lower right of the page. A dedicated contact form is available for IP Access help. Users are cautioned not to provide confidential information or personal data through this specific contact form.
These access changes underscore the Federal Register's commitment to maintaining the integrity and availability of its online resources while mitigating the impact of aggressive data scraping.
Key Facts
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Action | Federal Register limits programmatic access due to aggressive automated scraping. |
| Programmatic Access Solution | Utilize extensive developer APIs for FederalRegister.gov and eCFR.gov. |
| Human User Protocol | May require CAPTCHA completion if flagged as potentially automated. |
| Support for Access Issues | Site Help button available for CAPTCHA issues or wider IP range requests; specific form for IP access help. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my access to FederalRegister.gov being limited?
Access is being limited due to aggressive automated scraping of FederalRegister.gov and eCFR.gov, prompting security measures to protect the sites' integrity.
How can I programmatically access FederalRegister.gov data now?
Programmatic access is now limited to using the extensive developer APIs, with documentation available on FederalRegister.gov and eCFR.gov.
What if I am a human user and get blocked?
If your request is flagged as potentially automated, you may be asked to complete a CAPTCHA (bot test) to gain access. This is a normal part of their security measures.
Who should I contact if I have persistent access issues or need a wider IP range?
You can use the 'Site Help' button found in the lower, right of the page to access a contact form specifically for IP Access help and technical assistance with CAPTCHA issues.
Source: FDA — Notice: Jeffrey Thies: Final Debarment Order · 2026-09-25