Google has announced that it will now require users to enable JavaScript, a popular programming language that helps make websites interactive, in order to use its search engine.
In an email to TechCrunch, a representative from Google explained that this change is aimed at improving security for Google Search. By requiring JavaScript, Google hopes to protect its platform from harmful activities like automated bots and spam, which can disrupt the search experience. The spokesperson also mentioned that without JavaScript, many features of Google Search may not function correctly, leading to poorer search results.
The spokesperson stated, “Turning on JavaScript allows us to better safeguard our services and users from bots and various forms of abuse and spam, while also providing the most relevant and current information.”
JavaScript is an essential part of many websites; a survey conducted in 2020 found that about 95% of websites use it in some capacity. However, some users on social media have raised concerns that this new requirement could create challenges for people who depend on accessibility tools, which may have difficulty working with certain JavaScript features.
Additionally, JavaScript can have security issues. A 2024 security survey by the tech company Datadog revealed that approximately 70% of JavaScript services have vulnerabilities that could be classified as “critical” or “high-severity.” These vulnerabilities often arise from third-party software libraries that developers use.
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According to Google, only a tiny fraction—less than 0.1%—of searches are performed by users who have disabled JavaScript. While this sounds small, considering that Google handles about 8.5 billion searches each day, it means that millions of users could be impacted by this change.
Another possible reason behind Google’s decision could be to limit the effectiveness of third-party tools that track search trends and website performance. Reports from Search Engine Roundtable indicated that several “rank-checking” tools, which help website owners see how well they are performing in search results, began facing issues around the same time Google made JavaScript mandatory.
In summary, Google’s requirement for JavaScript aims to enhance security and improve user experience, but it may also introduce challenges, particularly for users relying on accessibility tools.
