Google introduces /goto/ links to complicate scraping of search results
Google has deployed a new URL structure, google.com/goto/, that redirects through an intermediate page, adding friction for scrapers.
Briefing
- Hacker News: Google has deployed a new URL structure, google.com/goto/, that redirects through an intermediate page, adding friction for scrapers.
Why it matters
This change forces scrapers to handle an extra redirect and potentially a JavaScript-based interstitial, increasing the complexity and fragility of extraction pipelines. It signals Google's continued investment in anti-scraping measures that target automated access to search results, which may require tooling updates or alternative approaches for data collection.
Sources
- Reported · Hacker News · 2026-09-12 — google.com/goto: Google's anti-scraping update
Watch next
Will Google expand /goto/ to other services beyond search, and how quickly will scraping tools adapt to handle the new redirect pattern?