Google has announced that users must now enable JavaScript to use its search engine. According to the company, this decision should increase security and improve the search engine's performance.
In a statement to TechCrunch, a Google spokesperson explained that this innovation will help protect the search engine from bots, spam, and other malicious activities, as well as ensure that it provides the most accurate and up-to-date search results.
"Enabling JavaScript allows us to better protect our services and users from bots and evolving forms of abuse and spam," Google's representative stated. "And to provide the most relevant and up-to-date information.".
Although JavaScript is used by about 95% of websites, according to a 2020 GitHub survey, Google's decision has raised concerns among accessibility users and cybersecurity experts.
JavaScript can pose challenges for those who must rely on accessibility tools such as gesture control or page audio. This is because some JavaScript implementations may not be compatible with these assistive technologies. Besides, the security risks associated with JavaScript are well known. Datadog's 2024 report states that 70% of JavaScript services have one or more critical or severe vulnerabilities, often caused by third-party libraries.
Google notes that the vast majority of search queries - more than 99.9% - are performed by users with JavaScript enabled, but even the small percentage of those who disable it amounts to millions of queries every day. This change is likely to affect these users and may disrupt certain professional tools, such as those in the data analytics and digital marketing industries.
Google's decision may also affect the tools used by businesses and marketers to track search performance. Search Engine Roundtable reports that some website ranking tools began experiencing problems with Google search shortly after the new JavaScript requirement was implemented. These tools usually rely on methods of obtaining data without using JavaScript.