Back button hijacking to be penalised in Google crackdown
Google to Penalize Sites for Back Button Hijacking
Starting June 15, Google will take corrective action against websites that engage in "back button hijacking," a practice that disrupts user experience by preventing them from returning to the previous page.
The Breaking Point
Google announced a firm stance against websites employing the deceptive tactic of back button hijacking, where users are trapped on a page despite attempts to navigate away. This violation of the expected web browsing experience prompted Google's intervention, marking such tactics as malicious.
Beneath the Surface
The manipulation often introduces unnecessary frustration and mistrust among users, deterring them from visiting new websites. By branding it a "malicious practice," Google aims to restore user trust and redefine how web navigation should typically function.
The Ripple Effect
Implications for website operators are significant as the repercussions of continued misuse could mean being down-ranked or banned from appearing in Google Search results. Site owners are advised to ensure seamless user navigation or else risk penalties, though a chance to rectify and appeal exists.
"Practices like back button hijacking undermine the basic user experience and break the expectations people have of how the web should work," said Adam Thompson, director of digital at BCS.
Source: BBC
