Rep Data Launches 'Honey Trap' Bot Screening Feature

In the US, quant data collection firm Rep Data has created a proprietary screening technique to screen out bots and automated scripts in surveys.

Founded in 2019 by former Lucid / Research Now exec Patrick Stokes (pictured), New Orleans-based Rep Data connects with more than 250 panel suppliers across over 100 countries who compete against each other for access to open quotas. Its new methodology includes hidden text variables used during the respondent screening process.

These variables, which appears as possible answers in a multiple-choice screening question, can only be accessed and viewed by bots. If selected, the bot will be terminated and immediately removed from the respondent pool. The hidden text variables are enabled only in the background, and are not accessible or visible to actual respondents who are completing screening to enter a survey.

Commenting on the launch, Stokes said: 'We employ a layered approach to fraud mitigation at Rep Data that includes a mix of technology and human intervention. This latest layer is a new kind of 'honey trap' for bots and is one more way to ensure that every project we manage delivers the very best data quality to our clients.'

Web site: www.repdatallc.com .