Google is once again making headlines for axing one of its services, this time being the URL shortener, goo.gl. The news may not come as a surprise to some, given the company’s history of discontinuing services and leaving users scrambling to adapt. However, this particular service has been in existence for over a decade and has become an integral part of the internet infrastructure, with millions of links relying on it.
The irony is that Google stopped allowing new links to be created in 2018, but at the time, it assured users that all existing links would continue to function normally until the service was officially sunset. Fast-forward six years, and it turns out that this promise was short-lived. In a recent statement, Google announced that all goo.gl links will start displaying an interstitial page when clicked, warning users that they will break after August 25, 2025. This move has left many users in a state of confusion and panic.
The implications of Google’s decision are far-reaching, affecting not only individual users but also entire ecosystems of websites, apps, and social media platforms that rely on the goo.gl links. The question on everyone’s mind is: what happens to these links after they break? Will they return a 404 error, or will some other mechanism be put in place to redirect users to the intended destination?
Google Unconditionally Abandons URL Shortener, Leaving Users in Disarray
The reality is that the breakdown of these links will cause chaos, disrupting the normal functioning of the internet. It’s not just individuals who will be affected; entire businesses may be forced to overhaul their systems, wasting precious time and resources to find alternative solutions. This is not the first time Google has done this; it has a pattern of axing services without providing adequate notice or alternatives.
Dare Obasanjo, a tech industry observer, has been vocal about Google’s tendency to kill services, stating that this is yet another example of the company’s disregard for the consequences of its actions. He argues that it’s essential to recognize the impact these decisions have on users and businesses, instead of simply pushing forward with the latest innovations.
Google’s decision to shutter the URL shortener is a classic example of the company’s lack of consideration for the long-term implications of its actions. It may seem like a minor issue to some, but the consequences will be far-reaching and devastating for many users and businesses. As we move forward, it’s crucial that we remember that Google’s services are not invincible and that we should always be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
