Google Ends the Trap: Back Button Hijackers Face Imminent Search Penalties
Starting in June, Google will implement a new policy to crack down on back button hijacking, a manipulative web design tactic that prevents users from returning to their previous page or search results. This practice, which often traps users on a site or redirects them to unwanted advertisements, is seen as a major violation of user experience and digital expectations. Sites found employing these deceptive navigation blocks will face search ranking penalties as part of a broader effort to prioritize user-centric design and web transparency.