Penalties (Sanktsii)
What measures search engines apply to rule-breaking sites, how manual actions differ from algorithmic filters, and how to lift restrictions.
Penalties are measures imposed by a search engine for violating quality guidelines. They fall into manual actions (notified in Search Console) and algorithmic filters (automatic, without notifications).
Manual actions
Manual actions are imposed by a Google reviewer after a human check. You will definitely receive a notification in Google Search Console (or Yandex.Webmaster). Causes include buying links, hidden text, cloaking, hacking, and user-generated spam.
To remove a manual action, fix the violation and submit a reconsideration request. Repeated violations may lead to complete removal from the index.
Algorithmic filters
Filters are applied automatically, without warning. You notice a sudden drop in traffic or rankings. Major algorithmic filters include Panda (content quality), Penguin (link spam), and Core Updates. Common triggers: keyword stuffing, poor user signals, duplicate or thin content.
Key point: you will not receive a notification. Diagnosis relies on comparing traffic drops with known algorithm update dates and your own metrics.
How to recover from penalties
For manual actions: fix the issue, prepare a report, and submit a reconsideration request. For algorithmic filters: improve the site (disavow spammy links, upgrade content quality) and wait for the next algorithm update. Recovery can take weeks to months.
Common questions
Discuss your project?
Share your goals and website context — I will suggest a practical next step.