What's Happening?
The Internet Archive, in collaboration with Automattic, has introduced a new WordPress plugin called the Link Fixer. This tool is designed to address the issue of 'link rot,' where online articles contain broken links that lead to inactive pages. The plugin works
by scanning WordPress posts for outbound links and cross-referencing them with the Wayback Machine for archived versions. If no archived version exists, the plugin automatically takes new snapshots of the articles. This ensures that if a linked webpage goes offline, readers are redirected to the archived version, maintaining the integrity of the content. The plugin also archives a user's own posts to ensure their longevity. The tool is user-friendly, allowing customization of how often links are checked for validity.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of the Link Fixer plugin is significant as it addresses the widespread issue of digital decay, where a large percentage of online links become inactive over time. This phenomenon affects various types of web pages, including news sites, government pages, and educational resources. By ensuring that links remain functional, the plugin helps preserve the accessibility and reliability of online content. This is particularly important for maintaining the historical record and ensuring that information remains available for future reference. The tool also supports content creators by safeguarding their work against the loss of linked resources, thereby enhancing the overall user experience on the web.
