What does rel=”noopener noreferrer” mean?

  • Unknown's avatar
    wonderingmindstudio · Member ·

    Hi

    I’ve noticed that the code <rel=”noopener noreferrer”> is automatically added to links with <target=”_blank”> in both external and internal links.

    I gather this is related to security issues… but how? My browser is Safari.

    Please advise whether one should use the <target=”_blank”> in internal links, or whether doing so (and having the other code inserted by default) compromises SEO.

    Many thanks

    Miriam

    The blog I need help with is: (visible only to logged in users)

  • Unknown's avatar
    unlitlight · Member ·

    Hello again – since I’ve never waited this long for a response on this forum, I’m wondering if there’s something wrong with my question…

    I have four active wordpress blogs, so my question is more general than indicated in my first post.

    Thanks

    :-)

  • Unknown's avatar
    houstonweaver · Member ·

    There is quite a lively discussion of this on the Amazon Associates site.

    http://engagedforums.com/discussions/Amazoncom_Associates/_/_/am-associhelp/49541.21

    Perhaps one of the mods here can let us know if they have further information on whether this might affect compliance with affiliate terms of service.

    I will mark this as modlook to bring it to the attention of staff.

  • kokkieh · Staff ·

    Hi there,

    When you use ‘target=”_blank”‘ on a link, on any website in any browser, it can potentially give someone access to your browser, enabling them to launch a phishing attack against you.

    The noopener and noreferrer values prevents target=_blank from being abused in this way, and is now automatically added if you use that attribute in both WordPress Core and on WordPress.com.

    Please advise whether one should use the <target=”_blank”> in internal links, or whether doing so (and having the other code inserted by default) compromises SEO.

    This has nothing at all to do with SEO, and having those two values added won’t affect SEO in any way.

    That said, using target=_blank is a bad practice in general. Forcing links to open in new tabs takes control away from your site’s visitors, it overrides their browser’s default functionality, and it impacts your site’s accessibility to visually impaired people using screen readers. The consensus among web developers these days is that one should avoid using it, and if you do use it you should add a warning that clicking the link will open a new tab/window.

    You can see these links for some more information on this issue:

    https://blog.templatetoaster.com/rel-noreferrer-noopener-seo/

    https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/36809

    Perhaps one of the mods here can let us know if they have further information on whether this might affect compliance with affiliate terms of service.

    We can’t comment on compliance with the terms of service of other companies. You’ll need to ask Amazon if they consider this a problem.

  • Unknown's avatar
    unlitlight · Member ·

    Thank you @kokkieh – this clarifies the issue and helps me hugely. I will avoid using target=_blank without suitable warning to viewers.

    I’m also grateful for the links you’ve provided.

    And for your time…

    Regards,
    Miriam

  • kokkieh · Staff ·

    Glad I could help :)

  • Unknown's avatar
    houstonweaver · Member ·

    Thank you for the clarification.

  • kokkieh · Staff ·

    @houstonweaver

    My pleasure :)

  • Unknown's avatar
    justjennifer · Member ·

    And bookmarked!

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