Google Ends Support for Lynx Browser

#1

Post by zhenyi » Wed, Sep 10, 2025, 6:20 PM UTC

Accessing google.com in Lynx now shows:

  Google
  Update your browser
  Your browser isn't supported anymore. To continue your search, upgrade to a recent version. [Learn more]

Re: Google Ends Support for Lynx Browser

#2

Post by stefanos82 » Wed, Sep 10, 2025, 6:32 PM UTC

Seems like elinks is affected too...bummer!

Re: Google Ends Support for Lynx Browser

#3

Post by ryao » Wed, Sep 10, 2025, 8:49 PM UTC

I wonder to what extent visually disabled internet users are affected by this, since I can imagine at least some of them using lynx with an on-screen reader for a terminal emulator.

Re: Google Ends Support for Lynx Browser

#4

Post by LargoLasskhyfv » Wed, Sep 10, 2025, 9:10 PM UTC

Is Google exempted from the ADA?

Re: Google Ends Support for Lynx Browser

#5

Post by ChrisArchitect » Wed, Sep 10, 2025, 9:18 PM UTC

Suggest changing title to something along lines of "Tell HN: Accessing google in lynx now shows unsupported"

Maybe, like in 2019 when a similar submission got traction, you'll be able to get it restored.

(I am no longer able to use Google with Lynx https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=21626995)

Re: Google Ends Support for Lynx Browser

#6

Post by ChrisArchitect » Wed, Sep 10, 2025, 9:21 PM UTC

Related discussion earlier this year:

Google begins requiring JavaScript for Google Search

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42747092

Re: Google Ends Support for Lynx Browser

#7

Post by bitpush » Wed, Sep 10, 2025, 9:28 PM UTC

ryao wrote: post #3

I wonder to what extent visually disabled internet users are affected by this, since I can imagine at least some of them using lynx with an on-screen reader for a terminal emulator.

What's the advantage of using lynx as opposed to Chrome/Safari and using the read aloud features?

Re: Google Ends Support for Lynx Browser

#8

Post by bitpush » Wed, Sep 10, 2025, 9:29 PM UTC

LargoLasskhyfv wrote: post #4

Is Google exempted from the ADA?

Safari offers https://www.apple.com/accessibility/ features, so I'm pretty sure someone with visual disability can access google no issues.

Re: Google Ends Support for Lynx Browser

#9

Post by LargoLasskhyfv » Wed, Sep 10, 2025, 9:40 PM UTC

bitpush wrote: post #8

LargoLasskhyfv wrote: post #4

Is Google exempted from the ADA?

Safari offers https://www.apple.com/accessibility/ features, so I'm pretty sure someone with visual disability can access google no issues.

Seriously? Apple only?

But Linux! And *BSD! Or some Illumos.

Or in general just some effin textmode terminal, running whatever is able to run Lynx/Links/Elinks(2?).

Re: Google Ends Support for Lynx Browser

#10

Post by samtheDamned » Wed, Sep 10, 2025, 9:55 PM UTC

maybe this is a knee-jerk reaction but I don't see any good reason for this. At it's core Google's job is to take an input and list outputs. The marketshare of people using lynx is small enough that whatever advertising or ai extras they want to squeeze in won't be meaningfully impacted by not working on lynx.

Edit: corrected spelling error