Safer link clicking.
Microsoft has filed a patent application for safer URL shortening, and the patent application actually uses the term “rick-rolling”.
The application was filed in 2010 but just published by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office today.
A big problem with shortened URLs is that you typically don’t know where they’ll take you when you click on them. As a result, you might end up on a malware site, something NSFW, or, gasp!, get rick-rolled.
Microsoft’s patent disclosure suggests creating a block list of known bad sites and informing users if they’re visiting one through a shortened URL. Web browsers already do this if they know something about the site they’re visiting. This would apply the same concept to short URLs.
This problem with short URLs is one reason Twitter started wrapping links in t.co and providing previews of where the shortened URLs lead.
You can view the patent application here (pdf).
Jonathan says
Had to happen, could be good-by domain revenues, What will ICANN enforce ???
url shortener says
Interesting blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
A theme like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog shine.
Please let me know where you got your theme. Kudos