Developer Bans Query Strings to Prevent URL Tracking
Original: I’ve banned query strings
Why This Matters
Highlights growing developer pushback against web tracking and URL manipulation practices
Chris Morgan, a web developer, has implemented a blanket ban on unauthorized query strings on his personal website to prevent tracking parameters from being added to URLs. The ban blocks common tracking methods like UTM parameters and referrer tags.
Developer Chris Morgan has banned query strings on his personal website chrismorgan.info to combat URL tracking abuse. He specifically targets tracking parameters like '?ref=example.com' and UTM parameters that third parties add to URLs without permission. Morgan argues these additions abuse users and violate URL ownership. The ban is currently implemented through his Caddyfile configuration. While he doesn't currently use query strings, Morgan states he would only allow known parameters if needed in the future. He considered publishing the announcement at unconventional URLs like '/?' but settled on '/no-query-strings' due to technical limitations with Caddy server configuration.