The Internet Archive, known for its dedication to preserving digital content, has introduced a new tool to help WordPress users maintain the integrity of their online articles. Collaborating with Automattic, the organization behind WordPress, the Wayback Machine has released the Link Fixer plug-in to combat ‘link rot’ – the growing problem of broken links within web content.
Research has shown that a significant portion of links shared in the past are no longer active, leading to ‘digital decay’ on various platforms. The Link Fixer plug-in scans WordPress posts for outbound links, leveraging the Wayback Machine to find archived versions of those links. In the event of a broken link, the plug-in automatically redirects readers to the archived version, ensuring seamless access to content. Additionally, it archives users’ own posts to enhance their longevity.
By continuously monitoring a website’s links, the plug-in ensures visitors always access the best available version of a web page. Users can easily customize the plug-in’s settings, making it a user-friendly solution for combating the issue of broken links across the internet.
Source: TechCrunch