Google is updating its search spam policies to penalize websites that use "back button hijacking" to trap users, with enforcement actions beginning on June 15.
Key Points
- Google officially classifies back button hijacking as a malicious practice that manipulates browser history.
- The policy change targets websites that use JavaScript to prevent users from navigating away from a page.
- Starting June 15, offending sites face manual spam penalties and significant drops in search engine rankings.
- Site owners are responsible for removing these scripts, even if they originate from third-party ads or code libraries.
- Google will utilize both automated systems and manual reviewers to identify and penalize non-compliant websites.