Noreferrer is a link attribute that prevents the browser from sending referrer information to the destination page, hiding the source URL from analytics and access logs.
Referrer Information Blocking
Links with noreferrer don't pass source URL data, appearing as direct traffic in destination site analytics instead.
Privacy Protection Enhancement
This attribute protects user privacy by preventing destination sites from tracking which pages visitors came from originally.
Analytics Impact Consideration
Your outbound links won't show as referral traffic sources in external site analytics when noreferrer is applied.
Security Combination Usage
Often combined with noopener (rel="noopener noreferrer") for comprehensive security on external links opening new tabs.
HTTPS to HTTP Requirement
Browsers automatically apply noreferrer behavior when linking from secure HTTPS pages to unsecure HTTP destinations.
Affiliate Link Complications
Noreferrer can break affiliate tracking systems that rely on referrer data for commission attribution and reporting.
When should I use noreferrer attribute?
Apply for privacy-sensitive links or when you don't want destination sites knowing your URL as traffic source.
Does noreferrer affect SEO or rankings?
No direct ranking impact, though blocking referrer data may affect how external sites perceive and value your links.
What's the proper noreferrer syntax?
Use < a href="url" rel="noreferrer"> or combine with noopener as rel="noopener noreferrer" for new tabs.
Can noreferrer break tracking systems?
Yes, affiliate programs, some analytics setups, and referral tracking may not work properly with noreferrer links.
Noopener
A link attribute that prevents a newly opened page from accessing the original page's window object. Noopener improves security and performance for links that open in new tabs.
Referrer
The URL of the page that linked to the current page, sent as an HTTP header when users follow links. Referrer data helps track traffic sources but can be restricted by noreferrer attributes and browser privacy settings.
Related Glossary Terms
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