Google Warns Websites To Stop Browser ‘Back Button Trick’ Or Face Spam Penalties

Google is updating its spam policies to tackle back button hijacking, a deceptive practice that traps users when they try to navigate away from a site. Starting June 15, 2026, websites that interfere with browser history or redirect users through manipulative scripts will face automated demotions or manual penalties in search rankings. Google warns that even unintentional violations—often caused b