Google is forcing websites to stop doing one of the most irritating hacks that impacts user experience

Back button hijacking manipulates browser history so that clicking the back button is intercepted and users are redirected elsewhere. Google now considers the tactic harmful because it interferes with basic browser navigation and creates misleading experiences. Google is preparing to penalize websites that continue using the feature, viewing it as damaging trust between sites and visitors. Some publishers and ad tech companies used it to boost engagement and keep users on pages longer, and some recommendation platforms allowed publishers to control how aggressively it was used. Critics say it removes user control and crosses a line. The change is expected to make the back button behave normally again.

"Back button hijacking is a tech tactic that's frustrated internet users for years. The trick works by manipulating a browser's history so that when somebody clicks the back button, the site intercepts the action and sends them somewhere else instead. Google now considers the tactic harmful to users because it interferes with basic browser navigation and creates a misleading experience."

"Google is targeting websites using this feature. Google has made a lot of privacy moves lately, and is now preparing to penalize websites that continue using the tactic, with the company reportedly viewing it as a manipulative practice that damages trust between websites and visitors. Some people are defending the irritating hack, saying it boosted engagement and kept users on sites longer."

"Digiday also quoted one publishing executive who admitted the feature was 'definitely a gray area'. The Digiday article explained that some publishers and ad tech companies leaned on the feature because it boosted engagement numbers and kept users on sites longer. Certain recommendation platforms even allowed publishers to switch the feature on or off depending on how aggressively they wanted to monetize traffic."

"Lots of people think that the practice crosses a line because it removes control from users simply trying to browse the web normally. One source quoted in the report admitted the feature was 'annoying as hell', even while acknowledging why some companies still used it. Google's crackdown signals a much bigger push toward rewarding websites that prioritize cleaner and less manipulative user experiences online."

Read at SBTech