Google confirms deploying goto URL redirects to protect search results from abuse

Google confirmed it is deploying goto URL parameter redirects to links in its search results as a technical measure to protect against abuse and scraping. The change routes clicks through google.com/goto?url=hashURL before taking users to the destination page, making it harder for third-party tools, scrapers, and AI engines to harvest search results data. Search Engine Land reports the rollout is nearly complete across residential IP providers; users monitoring Google search performance via third-party tracking tools should watch for data discrepancies and verify compatibility with their providers.