Chapter 7: Google Penalties - What They Are and How They Work
An algorithmic penalty occurs when Google search algorithms identify websites that violate its guidelines. Unlike manual penalties, algorithmic penalties are not issued by a Google employee, but rather by an automatic process. As a result, it can be difficult to identify an algorithmic penalty, and there is no notification or clear path to recovery.
One of the most significant algorithmic penalties is the Google Panda update, which targets low-quality content. Other examples include the Penguin update, which targets manipulative link-building practices, and the Mobilegeddon update, which focuses on mobile-friendliness.