Google has revealed upcoming adjustments to its reCAPTCHA pricing model, set to take effect on April 1, 2024. These changes mark a significant shift in how Google plans to offer and price this form spam protection service, which has become a staple in protecting websites from spam and abuse.
The modifications include:
- introducing transaction protection in reCAPTCHA Enterprise at a reduced rate
- launching reCAPTCHA Standard
- renaming and restructuring the no-cost reCAPTCHA option.
reCAPTCHA Enterprise
The primary change comes for reCAPTCHA Enterprise users, who will soon benefit from the inclusion of transaction protection. This feature aims to provide an additional layer of security, safeguarding online transactions from fraudulent activities. Moreover, the reCAPTCHA Enterprise cost will significantly reduce from the current $40 to just $1 per 1,000 assessments. To further support businesses of all sizes, Google is adjusting the no-cost assessment threshold to 10,000 per month, down from the previously generous offer of 1 million free assessments.
Introducing reCAPTCHA Standard
Google is set to introduce reCAPTCHA Standard, a new offering priced at $8/month for up to 100,000 assessments per month. This tier is designed to cater to websites that require robust bot protection without the extensive features and support provided by the Enterprise version. reCAPTCHA Standard is expected to fill the gap for small to medium-sized businesses seeking effective security solutions at an affordable price point.
reCAPTCHA Lite: The No-Cost Option
The free version of the service, formerly known simply as reCAPTCHA, will be renamed to reCAPTCHA Lite. Reflecting Google's new pricing structure, reCAPTCHA Lite will offer protection for up to 10,000 assessments per month, a significant decrease from the current limit of 1 million assessments. This change indicates a strategic shift in Google's approach to providing no-cost security solutions, focusing on smaller websites or those with minimal security needs.
What This Means for Your Website
As the April 1, 2024, effective date for Google's reCAPTCHA pricing and service changes approaches, website owners and developers should evaluate their current and future needs for reCAPTCHA services. To ensure a smooth transition, Inclind will assist our clients in reviewing their reCAPTCHA services to determine the right-size service level change.
With the introduction of the reCAPTCHA Standard and the enhanced value of reCAPTCHA Enterprise, businesses have new opportunities to secure their online presence against bots and fraudulent activities effectively. Inclind's team of experts will work closely with clients to assess their website's monthly assessment needs and recommend the most suitable reCAPTCHA service based on their specific requirements.
By leveraging Inclind's expertise, clients can navigate these changes seamlessly, optimize their security measures, and maintain a secure and accessible online presence. Contact Inclind today to schedule a consultation and ensure your reCAPTCHA services are aligned with your evolving business needs or discover how we're protecting our clients from form spam.