In July 2026, Google changed the way links in its search results are redirected, raising questions about user security. This transformation, which hides site addresses behind an internal redirect, could change the way we navigate the web. What does this change mean for online security and SEO practices?
Key Takeaways
- Google has started using an internal redirect for its result links, making site addresses invisible.
- This change could facilitate phishing campaigns and complicate the work of SEO tools.
- Users need to be more cautious when searching for software or banking services.
Imagine, as you are about to click on a link in Google’s search results, that the site’s address no longer appears in the status bar. Many of you are used to checking these addresses to avoid malicious sites. This reflex, so ingrained, is losing its usefulness today with Google’s new redirect system. What to do then in the face of this loss of visibility?
Google and the Redirect Change in July 2026
Since July 2026, links in Google’s search results go through an internal redirect, identified by “google.com/goto,” followed by an encoded parameter. This system replaces the direct display of the URL, making the final destination invisible on hover. The change may seem minor, but it impacts how users interact with search results.
Un vide-dressing occasionnel rapporte rarement plus de 200 € par mois. Mais l'écart avec les vendeurs les plus performants est plus large qu'on ne le pense : 300 à 900 €/mois pour une activité régulière (2 à 5h/semaine), et 1 000 à 2 500 €+/mois pour les profils qui traitent Vinted comme un vrai canal de vente structuré. La différence ne tient ni à la chance ni à la taille du dressing de départ : elle tient presque entièrement à la méthode (algorithme, pricing, réactivité) appliquée avec régularité.
Avec 📘 Le Guide Vinted, transformez ce canal en revenu complémentaire structuré, voire en une vraie activité e-commerce.
Une méthode complète pour décoder l'algorithme, optimiser vos annonces comme une landing page, automatiser votre relance commerciale et sécuriser votre activité sur le plan fiscal.
🧠 Les 5 facteurs qui pilotent la visibilité de vos annonces (logique proche du SEO)
📈 Une méthode réplicable pour passer d'une activité occasionnelle à un revenu récurrent
⚖️ Statut, fiscalité, professionnalisation : rester en règle en montant en volume
🚫 Le chapitre que personne n'aborde ailleurs : comprendre et prévenir les blocages de compte
The redirect via “google.com/goto” raises security concerns. Traditionally, viewing the URL allowed for detecting anomalies such as spelling errors in the domain name, often signs of phishing. Now, this verification is no longer possible, which could increase the risk of cyberattacks via malicious links.
Impact on Security and Malicious Campaigns
This change is particularly concerning in the context of ads and sponsored results. Phishing campaigns have already exploited compromised Google Ads accounts to redirect users to fraudulent sites. Such a scenario occurred with a fake Node.js installer, using spyware to target users. Without the ability to verify the URL, users are more vulnerable to these attacks.
By hiding real addresses, Google seems overly confident in its security measures while asking users for blind trust. This could prompt users to rethink their online navigation approach, favoring direct access to sites via the official URL.
Consequences for SEO and Analysis Tools
Beyond security, this redirect impacts SEO practices and analysis tools. Position tracking tools, SEO audits, and other services analyzing search results must now query Google for each link. This requirement increases costs and limits the number of possible queries, complicating the work of SEO professionals.
This strategy seems to reflect Google’s desire to control the collection of its search results while making the analysis of this data by third parties more costly.
Future of Online Security in the Face of Google Redirect Changes
As Google continues to innovate, the issue of online security becomes increasingly pressing. Technology evolves, but it must adapt to ensure the protection of user data. The “google.com/goto” redirect is just one example of the challenges web giants must face.
Users must remain vigilant and adapt to these new realities. Using security extensions, verifying SSL certificates, and directly entering URLs can help navigate safely in this new environment.
SEO Practices and Google’s Role in 2026
SEO is constantly evolving, and Google’s updates in 2026 are a perfect example. By limiting URL visibility, Google encourages marketers to rethink their strategies. Audit and tracking tools must adapt to continue providing relevant analyses despite these restrictions.
Google remains a dominant force in the world of SEO, but this dominance comes with responsibilities. Updates must balance innovation and security to avoid compromising users or harming business practices.
FAQ
What is the main impact of Google’s new redirect system?
The main impact is the reduction of URL visibility in search results, complicating the detection of malicious sites and affecting SEO tools.
How does this redirect affect online security?
By making URLs invisible, this redirect can facilitate phishing campaigns and make users more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
What are the alternatives for safe browsing?
Users can directly enter site addresses in the browser, use security extensions, and verify SSL certificates to ensure safe browsing.
Why did Google implement this redirect?
This measure seems aimed at limiting the collection and analysis of search results by third parties while increasing the costs associated with these practices.