GOOGLE TO DEMOTE SITES HIJACKING BACK BUTTON

Back button hijacking occurs when websites override or disable the standard back button behavior, trapping users on their pages or forcing unwanted navigation patterns. This practice degrades user experience by preventing people from easily returning to their previous browsing location. The move represents Google's continued effort to combat spam and abusive web practices through its search ranking algorithm. The company regularly updates its spam policies to address emerging tactics that manipulate user behavior or degrade page quality. Website owners should audit their sites for any scripts or code that interferes with standard browser navigation. This includes techniques that prevent the back button from working or redirect users unexpectedly when they attempt to leave. The policy takes effect in June, giving site operators time to remove offending code before ranking penalties are applied. Google has not specified the severity of the demotion or how extensively the change will impact affected websites.