CrushPress.AI

Tag: Search Algorithms

  • Google to Crack Down on Annoying Back Button Hijacking

    Google to Crack Down on Annoying Back Button Hijacking

    You have until June 15, 2026, to remove the back button code before Google starts taking action.

    I’ve just heard from Google about a new warning aimed at websites using back button hijacking tactics. These sites have been given a two-month deadline to remove or disable these sneaky techniques. If not, they risk facing manual spam actions or automated demotions in Google Search.

    Back button hijacking. Google explained that, when we click the back button in our browser, we expect to return to the previous page. Back button hijacking disrupts this expectation. Google elaborated:

    • “It occurs when a site interferes with a user’s browser navigation, making it impossible to use the back button to immediately return to the original page. Users might instead be redirected to pages they didn’t visit, shown unsolicited ads or recommendations, or otherwise prevented from browsing normally.”

    While Google once claimed this had no effect on search rankings, that’s changing in just a couple of months.

    June 15, 2026. From June 15, 2026, Google will start enforcing this action. Google emphasized, “We prioritize user experience. Back button hijacking interrupts the expected browsing journey and leaves users frustrated. People feel manipulated, and this makes them hesitant to visit unfamiliar sites.”

    Why now? Google has observed an increase in this type of behavior. “This is why we are marking it as an explicit violation of our malicious practices policy, which states:”

    • “Malicious practices create a mismatch between user expectations and the actual outcome, leading to a negative and deceptive user experience, or compromised user security or privacy.”

    Google is giving us a two-month notice to implement changes. “By providing this policy now, two months ahead of the enforcement date, we are offering site owners the time needed to make adjustments before June 15, 2026,” Google stated.

    Why this matters to me. If I’m using this technique, it’s crucial to remove it from my pages. I have a short window to make these changes before my website might face penalties or corrective actions.

    Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

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  • Google’s Crackdown: Are Listicles Losing Their SEO Power?

    Google’s Crackdown: Are Listicles Losing Their SEO Power?

    Recently, I’ve found myself pondering whether low-quality listicles are starting to lose their footing in Google Search. Imagining the golden days when simple top-ten lists ruled the web raises the question: will they continue to thrive or face obsolescence?

    Google hammers listicles

    I’ve learned that Google has noticed these weak ‘best of’ lists and is actively working to combat this issue in both Search and Gemini. Interestingly, if I were to rank my own product as number one in my “best of” list, it could not only be a search-quality dilemma but also a possible violation of new FTC regulations that took effect in October 2024.

    Driving the news. Lily Ray pointed out on LinkedIn that the FTC’s Consumer Review Rule (16 CFR Part 465) bans several deceptive practices involving reviews and testimonials. Examples include presenting company-managed content as independent reviews, publishing reviews of products never used, and attributing reviews to unwritten sources.

    • Presenting company-controlled content as independent reviews.
    • Publishing reviews of products or services never actually used.
    • Attributing reviews to people who didn’t write them.

    Faced with penalties reaching up to $53,088 per violation, where each page could potentially be judged separately, it’s wise to rethink our approach. Lily also shared a reference table created alongside Claude, providing further insight.

    Why now? Over the past couple of years, “Best X” and “Top 10 Y” listicles have become a popular GEO tactic, performing well in search and even influencing AI-generated answers. But their heyday may now be at risk.

    The backstory. Before the FTC rule was finalized, some companies faced legal challenges for producing hundreds of “best of” pages that ranked their own services top, fabricated competitor reviews, and used counterfeit testimonials.

    • Ranked its own services #1.
    • Included fabricated competitor reviews.
    • Used fake reviews on third-party platforms.
    ```json { "alt": "Table outlining permissible and prohibited self-promotional listicle practices under FTC rules effective October 21, 2024.", "caption": "Understand the do's and don'ts of self-promotional listicles with the new FTC rules effective October 21, 2024. Ensure your practices are legal and compliant.", "description": "This image is a table explaining permissible and prohibited practices for self-promotional listicles under FTC Consumer Review Rule 16 CFR Part 465, effective October 21, 2024. Permissible actions include creating company-branded comparison pages and soliciting honest reviews without sentiment requirements. Prohibited actions include misrepresenting control over review sites, providing false reviews, and obscuring disclosures. Keywords: FTC rules, self-promotional listicles, legal, prohibited, compliant, endorsements." } ```

    The Better Business Bureau later reprimanded these companies for their unsubstantiated claims.

    What’s happening. Today’s listicles frequently follow this pattern: publishing “best tools” lists, including untested competitors, applying subjective scoring, and placing their own brand at the top. They often give the illusion of independence or firsthand evaluation.

    • A brand publishes a “best tools” list.
    • Includes competitors it hasn’t tested.
    • Uses subjective or invented scoring systems.
    • Ranks itself #1.

    The nuance. While it’s still possible to create comparison content featuring your own product, the FTC suggests heightened risk when implying objectivity, using non-genuine reviews, or failing to disclose material relationships.

    • You imply objectivity, but promote your own product.
    • You present reviews not based on real experience.
    • You fail to clearly disclose material relationships.

    What Google is saying. Google acknowledges the trend towards low-quality listicles. A spokesperson informed The Verge that Google imposes protective measures against such manipulation in both Search and Gemini. They continue to advise creating content intended for real people, ensuring it’s comprehensible to search systems.

    Why we care. The strategy that once provided high visibility might now bear risks, not only from regulatory authorities but also from possible changes to Google’s search algorithms. Consequently, this former GEO mainstay might see a rapid decline as its influence diminishes.

    Caveat. I must emphasize I’m not a lawyer. It’s always best to consult your own legal counsel if you’re contemplating the continued use of this tactic.

    Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

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