Tag: Google

I Tracked Mobile Core Web Vitals for a Month and Passed the Test. I Healed my Website’s UX

A lot of people think that web optimisation is as simple as downloading a plugin that helps with some bits. Nope! Sometimes UX requires surgery, just like the human body requires it at times. Furthermore, just like humans, sometimes cosmetic surgery is required, and other times a life-saving surgery is warranted.

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At this point, nearly a month had gone by and the web core vitals continued to show improvement, but yet, continued to fail the test. I did not let this stop me, I persevered. And it was well worth it because the next day, finally…it PASSED!

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As it can be seen, it took nearly a month of constant optimisation to get my website out of hospital. At this point, my main concern is the immediate performance scores, which were showing low even if the core web vitals text was passed. This predicts that it might get worse, before it gets better, and now I will have to pay close attention to daily performance checks to ensure that the site stays stable.

🙏🏼🧠🌸💕

Thank you for following me on this UX journey. You can follow me on the fediverse, or subscribe to the blog to get more content like this.

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26 Aug 2025
Will Google Have to Pay the 20 Decillions Fine due to Youtube Bans?

Recently, the Moscow Court of Commercial Arbitration ruled that Google owes a significant fine of 20 decillions to 17 Russian broadcasters who were banned from YouTube. This decision has brought attention to the issue of content censorship and the responsibilities of tech giants like Google in regulating online content.

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The case stems from the banning of 17 Russian broadcasters from YouTube for allegedly spreading misinformation and violating the platform’s community guidelines. The broadcasters, who have since been banned for over a year, filed a lawsuit against Google for lost revenue and damages as a result of their removal from the platform.

The banned Russian broadcasters, including RT and RIA Novosti, have long been at odds with Google over the content they produce and share on YouTube. The arbitration court has now ruled in favour of the broadcasters, ordering Google to pay the astronomical fine for their continued infringement of Russian laws.

The Moscow Court of Commercial Arbitration ruling that Google must pay 20 decillions to these broadcasters is a staggering amount and raises questions about the power and influence of tech companies in regulating online content. While Google has the right to enforce its community guidelines and remove content that violates its terms of service, the court’s decision highlights the potential consequences of these actions.

But the question remains, does Google have to pay the fine to the banned Russian broadcasters on YouTube? While the court has ruled in favour of the broadcasters, Google has indicated that they do not plan to comply with the ruling. In fact, Google has gone as far as to say that they do not recognise the jurisdiction of the Russian court in this matter.

Russia Today (2024) reports that such a fine is symbolic. This indicates that Google won’t actually have to pay the fine. Still, some argue that Google should not be responsible for paying such a hefty fine to the banned broadcasters, as the company is within its rights to moderate its platform and remove content that violates its policies. Others believe that tech companies like Google have a responsibility to ensure that their moderation actions are fair and transparent, and that they should be held accountable for any damages caused by wrongful removal of content.

This raises important questions about the power dynamics at play when it comes to international companies operating in different countries. While Google may feel that they are not bound by Russian laws in this instance, the reality is that they are operating within Russian territory and are subject to Russian laws and regulations.

Ultimately, the ruling by the Moscow court raises important questions about the balance between free speech and content moderation on online platforms. It also highlights the growing concern over the power and influence of tech giants in shaping the information landscape and controlling access to information.

As Google considers its next steps in response to the court’s ruling, it will be important for the company to carefully navigate the complex issues of content moderation and regulation in order to ensure a fair and open online environment for all users. It will be interesting to see how this situation unfolds and what it means for the future of online content regulation and enforcement.

30 Nov 2024
Editor’s Journal #8: Youtube Banned my Channel

Censorship has made its way into my life. I can no longer deny that weird things are happening on the Internet, and also outside the Internet in relation to behaviours online. Just when I thought I was immune to this emerging two-tier culture; I was a victim of it.

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Here in the United Kingdom, one can observe the criminal justice system’s desperate attempt to make space in prisons for those who express their opinions against Islam and against illegal migration online. However, as many have posited; there seems to be a two-tier systemic bias which leaves a selected few impune (e.g. paedophiles and rapists), whilst other groups are harshly punished for doing minor offences.

The criminal justice system of England is so overwhelmed, that there have been initiatives to take house arrests to the next level of crime and punishment, due to overcrowded prisons (Syal, R., The Guardian, 2014). Anti-Islam activists and journalists are being imprisoned callously, whilst antisemitic behaviours are hypernormalised, and not prosecuted.

For instance, I believe that Youtube was antisemitic against my channel. They charged me with spam allegations after I uploaded a video of my new Tanakh (a sacred religious book), where I expressed excitement in regards to learning Hebrew and Judaism. The video lasted about a minute, and was certainly not spam. I find Youtube’s decision to be antisemitic, and it confirms that antisemitism is systemically and culturally ingrained in modern times.

All this means that I will have to create my own video gallery, and that I cannot be trusting other websites to look after my digital legacy in any way. What I had built for so many years was quickly destroyed by Youtube, and whilst I feel devastated by these actions; I am now more determined than ever to redirect my energy into my website, where I rule, and where I decide what’s acceptable or not.

I also know that Youtube is openly Russophobic and has actively banned prolific Russian channels such as Russia Today (RT), who had to also create their own video gallery as a result. It is certainly terrifying to see how Google has some corruption in its structure. This type of scenario might be why a Russian court fined Google with $20 decillion (RT, 2024). The scope of the damages is enormous, and the direct discrimination against demonised social groups such as the Russian people, and the Jewish people is undeniable.

Whilst my single case will never make it to newspaper headlines, it is still notable that Youtube has acted in Nazi ways to ethnically cleanse the digital space, and I am one of those people who have been unjustly censored for having Jewish and/or Russian content. This means I will have to start from zero, and all of my followers were lost. I will notify you, dear readers, when I have a video gallery ready again.

18 Nov 2024
How to Identify the Cause of a Google Penalty

As a website owner, one of the worst nightmares you can face is receiving a penalty from Google. These penalties can significantly impact your website’s visibility in search results, leading to a decrease in traffic and revenue. However, before you panic, it’s important to figure out the cause of the penalty so you can take the necessary steps to fix it. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some common reasons for Google penalties and how you can identify the cause.

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1. Check for Manual Actions: The first step in identifying the cause of a Google penalty is to check for manual actions in Google Search Console. This tool will show you if Google has identified any issues with your website that have resulted in a penalty. Common reasons for manual actions include thin content, unnatural links, and cloaking. Once you have identified the issue, you can start working on fixing it.

2. Check for Algorithmic Penalties: In addition to manual actions, Google also has algorithms that can penalise websites for certain activities. Common algorithmic penalties include Panda, Penguin, and Hummingbird. These algorithms target specific issues such as low-quality content, spammy backlinks, and keyword stuffing. If you suspect that your website has been hit by one of these penalties, you can use tools like Google Analytics to analyse your traffic and rankings over time to pinpoint when the penalty occurred.

3. Review Your Backlink Profile: One common reason for Google penalties is having a poor backlink profile. This includes having a large number of low-quality or spammy backlinks pointing to your website. To identify if this is the cause of your penalty, you can use tools like Ahrefs or Moz to review your backlink profile and identify any toxic links. Once you have identified these links, you can reach out to the website owners and request that they remove the links or use Google’s disavow tool to disavow them.

4. Check for Duplicate Content: Duplicate content is another common reason for Google penalties. If Google finds that your website has duplicate content, it may penalise your website and decrease its visibility in search results. To identify if this is the cause of your penalty, you can use tools like Copyscape to check for duplicate content on your website. If you find duplicate content, you can rewrite the content or set up canonical tags to indicate the original source of the content.

In conclusion, receiving a Google penalty can be a daunting experience, but it’s important to stay calm and identify the cause of the penalty so you can take the necessary steps to fix it. By checking for manual actions, algorithmic penalties, reviewing your backlink profile, and checking for duplicate content, you can pinpoint the cause of the penalty and work towards recovering your website’s visibility in search results. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so make sure to follow Google’s guidelines and best practices to avoid penalties in the future.

4 Jun 2024
How to Check for Algorithmic Google Penalties

Google penalties can be a nightmare for website owners as they can severely impact your site’s ranking and visibility in search engines. When your site is hit with an algorithmic penalty from Google, it’s important to take immediate action to rectify the issue and get your site back on track.

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But how can you tell if your site has been hit by an algorithmic Google penalty? Here are some steps to help you determine if your site has been penalised and what you can do about it:

1. Check your Search Console: The first step in identifying a Google penalty is to check your Google Search Console account for any messages or warnings from Google. Google will often notify you if your site has been penalised and provide you with a reason for the penalty. Look for any notifications related to manual actions or issues affecting your site’s ranking.

2. Monitor Your Traffic: Another way to check for algorithmic penalties is to monitor your site’s traffic levels. If you notice a sudden drop in traffic or a significant decrease in search engine visibility, it may be a sign that your site has been penalised by Google. Use tools like Google Analytics to track your site’s traffic and monitor any fluctuations.

3. Check Your Keywords: If you notice a decline in ranking for specific keywords or a drop in organic search traffic for certain search terms, it could be an indication that your site has been penalised. Check your keyword rankings regularly to identify any sudden drops or fluctuations in search engine visibility.

4. Look for Changes in Google’s Algorithm Updates: Google regularly updates its search algorithm to improve search results and penalise sites that violate its guidelines. Keep track of Google algorithm updates and review any changes that may have affected your site’s ranking. If your site’s ranking suddenly drops following a Google algorithm update, it could be a sign that your site has been penalised.

5. Review Your Backlink Profile: Backlinks are an important factor in determining your site’s ranking in search engines. If your site has been hit with a Google penalty, it could be due to low-quality or spammy backlinks pointing to your site. Use tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush to review your site’s backlink profile and identify any toxic or harmful backlinks that may be causing your site to be penalised.

If you suspect that your site has been hit with an algorithmic Google penalty, it’s important to take immediate action to address the issue and get your site back on track. Start by identifying the cause of the penalty and take steps to rectify the issue, whether it’s cleaning up your backlink profile, improving your site’s content quality, or addressing any technical issues that may be affecting your site’s ranking.

By following these steps and actively monitoring your site’s performance in search engines, you can effectively check for algorithmic Google penalties and take the necessary steps to recover your site’s ranking and visibility. Remember, prevention is always better than cure, so make sure to follow Google’s guidelines and best practices to avoid penalties in the future.

3 Jun 2024
How to find Out Whether a Website Has Received a Google Penalty

With Google constantly updating its algorithms and cracking down on spammy websites, it’s important for website owners to stay informed about any potential penalties that could affect their site’s search engine rankings. If you suspect that your website may have received a Google penalty, there are a few key steps you can take to confirm your suspicions.

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1. Check for a Manual Action: The first step in determining whether your website has been penalised by Google is to check for any manual actions. This can be done by logging into Google Search Console and navigating to the “Security & Manual Actions” tab. Here, you’ll be able to see if Google has issued any manual penalties against your site.

2. Monitor Your Organic Traffic: Another telltale sign that your website may have received a Google penalty is a sudden drop in organic traffic. If you notice a significant decline in your site’s traffic, it’s worth investigating further to determine if a penalty could be the cause.

3. Check Your Ranking for Targeted Keywords: In addition to monitoring overall traffic levels, it’s also important to keep an eye on your site’s ranking for specific keywords. If you notice a sudden drop in rankings for keywords that were previously performing well, this could be a sign that your site has been penalised by Google.

4. Look for Unnatural Link Patterns: Google penalties are often triggered by the presence of unnatural or spammy backlinks pointing to your site. Take a close look at your backlink profile and look for any suspicious patterns, such as a large number of low-quality links or links with over-optimised anchor text. If you identify any problematic links, it’s important to take steps to remove them or disavow them using Google’s Disavow Tool.

5. Keep Up with Google Algorithm Updates: Finally, it’s important to stay up-to-date with Google’s algorithm updates and guidelines in order to avoid falling afoul of any penalties. By following best practices for SEO and staying informed about any changes to Google’s algorithms, you can reduce the risk of receiving a penalty in the future.

In conclusion, if you suspect that your website may have received a Google penalty, it’s important to take action quickly to address any issues and restore your site’s search engine rankings. By following the steps outlined above and staying vigilant about monitoring your site’s performance, you can protect your site from potential penalties and ensure its long-term success in the search results.

3 Jun 2024
How to Recover from a Google Penalty

If you’ve found yourself on the receiving end of a Google penalty, don’t panic. While it can be a blow to your website’s traffic and rankings, it’s not the end of the world. With the right strategies and a little bit of patience, you can recover from a Google penalty and get your site back on track. Here are some tips to help you do just that.

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1. Understand the penalty: The first step to recovering from a Google penalty is to understand why it happened in the first place. Google penalties can be manual or algorithmic, and they can be caused by a variety of factors such as thin or duplicate content, keyword stuffing, or low-quality backlinks. By identifying the specific cause of the penalty, you can take steps to address it and prevent it from happening again in the future.

2. Clean up your site: Once you’ve identified the cause of the penalty, it’s time to clean up your site. This may involve removing any spammy or low-quality content, fixing broken links, and disavowing any toxic backlinks. It’s important to take a thorough approach to this process to ensure that you’re addressing all of the issues that may have contributed to the penalty.

3. Build high-quality content: One of the best ways to recover from a Google penalty is to focus on creating high-quality, valuable content for your website. Google rewards sites that provide relevant and useful information to users, so by investing in content that is well-written and engaging, you can improve your site’s credibility and rankings.

4. Focus on white-hat SEO techniques: To avoid future penalties, it’s important to focus on using white-hat SEO techniques that are in line with Google’s guidelines. This includes optimising your site for keywords naturally, building quality backlinks from reputable sources, and ensuring a positive user experience on your site.

5. Monitor your progress: Recovering from a Google penalty can take time, so it’s important to monitor your progress regularly. Keep an eye on your site’s rankings, traffic, and search visibility to see how your efforts are paying off. If you notice any setbacks, don’t get discouraged – just continue to work on improving your site and following best practices.

Recovering from a Google penalty can be a challenging process, but with the right strategies and a commitment to improving your site, it’s definitely possible. By understanding the cause of the penalty, cleaning up your site, focusing on quality content and white-hat SEO techniques, and monitoring your progress, you can recover from a penalty and get your site back on the right track. Remember, patience is key – results may not happen overnight, but with persistence and dedication, your site can bounce back stronger than ever.

2 Jun 2024