Google Investigating Concerns Over Search Translated Results

06/20/25
Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article

TL;DR Summary of Google’s Unexpected Redirects to Translated Pages Spark User Concerns

Google has been redirecting users to translated versions of webpages via Google Translate without user consent. This behavior, noticed since late 2021, routes traffic through Google’s proxy instead of the original sites. Users and some communities have raised concerns about loss of direct traffic to original content creators. Google has acknowledged the issue and is currently investigating it.

Optimixed’s Overview: Understanding Google’s Automated Translation Redirects and Their Impact on Web Traffic

Background and User Experience

Since November 2021, Google has intermittently redirected some search users to translated versions of webpages, particularly when the searcher’s display language differs from the webpage’s original language. This redirection occurs through Google Translate’s proxy domain rather than loading the original site directly, which has sparked confusion and dissatisfaction among users.

Community Feedback and Concerns

  • Users report being redirected unexpectedly, with no option to disable this feature.
  • Complaints highlight frustration over Google taking traffic away from original content creators who invested effort in their websites.
  • Specific cases include Vietnamese users redirected from English results to translated pages without explicit consent.

Official Response and Investigation

Google has publicly acknowledged the issue after community reports surfaced. A Google representative confirmed that their team is actively investigating the problem. Additionally, monitoring within Google Search Console has tracked the frequency of these translated redirects since May 2022.

Technical Insights

  • In regions with limited local-language content, Google injects translated English pages into AI Overviews (AIOs).
  • The translation process involves routing through Google’s proxy domain rather than direct linking, potentially impacting site analytics and traffic attribution.

Implications for Website Owners and Users

This practice raises concerns about traffic diversion and content ownership. Website owners may experience decreased direct visits, while users encounter altered navigation paths without clear notice or control. The ongoing investigation aims to address these issues and improve transparency and user choice in search experience.