Wayback Machine Launches Plugin to Fix Broken Internet Links
The Internet Archive, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the digital landscape, has teamed up with Automattic, the parent company of WordPress. This collaboration has birthed a new WordPress plug-in named the Link Fixer, designed to address the issue of broken links.
Combating Link Rot with the Link Fixer Plugin
Link rot refers to the phenomenon where online articles suffer from broken links, leading to error messages or dead pages. A study by Pew Research in 2024 revealed that nearly 40% of links from 2013 are no longer active. This form of “digital decay” affects various online sources, including news sites, government pages, and even social media posts.
Functionality of the Link Fixer
The Link Fixer works by scanning WordPress posts for outbound links. It then cross-references these links with the Wayback Machine to find archived versions. If no archived version exists, the tool will capture fresh snapshots of the articles.
- Users are redirected to archived pages if the original goes offline.
- The tool also archives the user’s posts, ensuring content longevity.
- The plug-in has a feature that continually checks the status of webpage links.
Customization and User Control
The Link Fixer offers an intuitive interface for users, allowing them to customize its settings easily. For example, users can decide how frequently the tool checks links for validity, with a default scan every three days.
This innovative collaboration aims to enhance digital preservation and ensure that online content remains accessible. The Link Fixer serves as a vital tool for maintaining the integrity of web pages and improving the user experience on WordPress sites.
