Noreferrer is an HTML attribute used to hide the source information, or “referrer,” when a user clicks a link to an external page. Typically, when a link is clicked, the destination site can see where the user came from. By using the noreferrer attribute, the original page’s URL remains hidden, adding an extra layer of privacy for users.
Why is Noreferrer Important?
Noreferrer offers several advantages for privacy and security. Here’s why it matters:
- Protects Referrer Data: Noreferrer hides the original page’s URL, keeping the destination site from tracking where visitors came from.
- Works with Noopener for Security: When used together with noopener, noreferrer adds even more security by preventing the new tab from interacting with the original page, which helps reduce security risks.
- Enhances Privacy on Sensitive Links: Noreferrer is helpful on pages with sensitive content, as it stops the destination from knowing the source URL, which can be useful for confidentiality.
How Does Noreferrer Work?
When adding a link, a website owner can use rel=”noreferrer” in the link’s code. This setting prevents the browser from sending the referring URL to the destination site. Additionally, noreferrer is often combined with noopener to ensure that the new tab cannot interact with the original page, adding another layer of security. Website owners may also use noindex and nofollow attributes in certain cases. For example, noindex stops search engines from indexing a page, while nofollow tells search engines not to follow a link, useful for managing SEO and privacy concerns on certain pages.