Google Replaces Direct URLs in Search Results with Redirect Links

Google has changed how URLs appear in its search results, moving away from providing direct links to websites. Instead of linking users straight to a destination page, Google now routes clicks through its own redirect system. This shift means users can no longer see or access a clean, direct URL simply by hovering over or clicking a search result. The change has drawn attention from developers and privacy-conscious users who prefer transparent, untracked links. Google has not publicly detailed the full reasoning behind the move, though it likely supports better click tracking and data collection.