Google

[MadGypsy]

Have any of you noticed that when you click a search result in a google search that, before you are directed to the clicked url you are briefly redirected to google?

Why?

I have a bunch of theories but, they can't all be right simultaneously. I'm interested in your opinion.

Michael

[Solecord]

Interesting, never noticed. Is that something new? I'm guessing it's either for Google's internal tracking/stats, or it's for ensuring that Google Analytics and Google Adwords tracking all works properly... Google uses https and the redirect goes to a non-https url (at least for me it does).

[MadGypsy]

I can confidently attest that this is "somewhat" new. I have slow internet. I have been watching the info at the bottom of my browser for a nice long time. I noticed this (maybe 4) 6 weeks ago.

Stats/analytics is definitely a possibility, but how were they doing it before? Seems like a "redirect" would be a step backwards from whatever "silent" way they were using previously. It can all be done with AJAX, only falling back on a redirect if javascript is disabled.

No, analytics seems plausible as a reason but it doesn't make sense when held in contrast to the prior analytics system. There is some form of identity being created with those redirects. Whether it be for the user, site or both is beyond my knowledge, but I feel like a "user" for something I didn't sign up for every time it happens.

Michael

[wicked_lord]

must be just you, i have sat here for the last few minutes typing in all types of stuff and it goes directly to where i want it to. Does not switch to google then to site..

[Mindf!3ldzX]

privacy - Turning off Google search results indirection - Web Applications

oof

[Mindf!3ldzX]

open this page https://www.google.com/#hl=en&safe=o...w=1330&bih=674

click any ofthe links, but from the time you click it, be watching the URL section.

It will flash off some stupid google link / then you actually arrive at your destination If you arent seeing this happen at all, your internet is really fast?

[MadGypsy]

open this page https://www.google.com/#hl=en&safe=o...w=1330&bih=674

That's a fast one. I had one earlier (can't remember what I was searching) that directed me to a completely blank page and then to the site. I am positive it was a blank page and not a browser hang, because I watched the load bar load blankness then refresh and load my actual clicked url.

Michael

[ninjamonkeyz]

i use the do not track plus addon for firefox, .. don't know how well it works but it says its blocking things.

[Mindf!3ldzX]

meh, I use chrome + google search for everything.

[ninjamonkeyz]

hmm k i just tried going to a site from a google search, and it does redirect you to google.com/url something oranother then analticks.something/something weird.. dunno ... thanx for the link mindz, ill try throwin that script in greasemonkey

[ninjamonkeyz]

found something that fix'd it, its an addon called google privacy 0.2.1 when you search something on google it gives you 2 links 1 had a red icon when scrolled over says privacy not respected and the other one is in green marked private.. click the green one and it just sends u to that site without redirecting to google

[Solecord]

After thinking about it further, Google must use this redirect to be able to display warning pages... like phishing or pages with malware.

[Mindf!3ldzX]

After thinking about it further, Google must use this redirect to be able to display warning pages... like phishing or pages with malware.

Im sure the actual list of shit that they utilize it for is immense.

[Cobalt]

I believe if you are logged into a google service like gmail etc, they save your search keywords and who knows what else.

[Mindf!3ldzX]

I believe if you are logged into a google service like gmail etc, they save your search keywords and who knows what else.

This site is collecting statistics on you right now.