Google will begin punishing sites for back button hijacking in June

April 15, 2026

TL;DR

Back button hijacking will be designated a "malicious practice" by Google starting in June.
This practice manipulates browser history to insert additional content or pop-ups when a user tries to go back.
Google states the back button should perform its expected function, and deviating from this creates a deceptive user experience.
Sites using back button hijacking may face automated or manual anti-spam actions, leading to a lower page rank.
Websites are advised to eliminate this practice before the June 15, 2026 deadline to avoid penalties.
The issue can stem from a site's own design or from third-party libraries and advertising stacks.

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