"Back button hijacking is defined as when a user clicks the 'back' button in the browser, expecting to return to the previous page, but is instead redirected to pages they never visited or shown unsolicited ads."
"Google has observed a rise in back button manipulation, which has led to the decision to implement a penalty for sites engaging in this practice, marking a significant policy shift."
"The new policy states that pages engaging in back button hijacking may face manual spam actions or automated demotions, impacting their performance in Google Search results."
Google has announced a new search spam policy targeting back button hijacking, which disrupts user navigation by preventing them from returning to previous pages. This practice has been on the rise, prompting Google to take action after years of inaction. Site owners must eliminate back button hijacking by June 15, 2026, or face potential penalties that could affect their search rankings. The policy aims to align user expectations with actual outcomes, ensuring a more transparent browsing experience.
Read at Search Engine Roundtable
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