Google Blocking Browsers with JavaScript Turned Off

[mike]

I was using Mojeek’s Search Choices button to send my keywords to Google so that I could continue searching. Typically, I receive search results with basic HTML. And that is what I wanted.

Today, I received a block from Google suggesting that JavaScript will be required for searching on Google going forward.

Retrying the search later worked.

Google typically uses a canary deployment strategy where a small fraction of the millions of searches are exposed to new software or policies.

I assume that is what happened in these examples. One search had the new policy. And the later search was subject to the old policy and went through.

[Josh]

Thanks for posting this @mike, I’m going to nick it as it’s very useful for social media. I would imagine that the number of Google users blocking js is probably quite small; much like other things (VPN hostility) their test base will probably carry it to the main search soon enough.

[gnome]

I wasn’t aware Google actually worked without Javascript enabled until now. To be fair, I don’t think I’ve used Google this decade.

@Josh

I would imagine that the number of Google users blocking js is probably quite small

Though the percentage of JS-blocking Mojeek users seems to be quite high!

[bbbhltz]

@gnome

Though the percentage of JS-blocking Mojeek users seems to be quite high!

At first I thought it was ridiculous, but now it is my default on mobile. On desktop it depends on if I am working or doing personal stuff.

Someone needs to do a widespread survey on JavaScript blocking and computer use.

[mike]

For reference, here is what Google looks like without JavaScript.