Google Search to penalize back button hijacking schemes

Google has issued a new warning to sites using back button hijacking techniques, saying those sites have two months to remove or disable those techniques. If they do not, they will be subject to manual spam actions or automated demotions within Google Search.

Back button hijacking occurs when a site interferes with a user's browser navigation and prevents them from using their back button to get back to the page they came from. Instead, users might be sent to pages they never visited before, be presented with unsolicited recommendations or ads, or prevented from normally browsing the web.

Starting June 15, 2026, Google will begin enforcement. Google said they have seen a rise of this behavior, designating it an explicit violation of their malicious practices policy. Site owners have two months to make any needed changes before penalties apply.