Google Search Disruptions Continue, Users Report Unusual Traffic Blocks
Google Search users are continuing to experience disruptions to their searches, encountering a message indicating “unusual traffic from your computer network.” The issue, which resurfaced on , has been a recurring problem since , manifesting as either a reCAPTCHA challenge or a complete block preventing access to search results.
The core of the problem, according to Google’s automated systems, lies in identifying search patterns that deviate from typical human behavior. This often gets triggered by network activity, including that originating from Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). A user accessing YouTube at with an IP address of recently encountered this issue.
Google’s immediate solution is to successfully complete a reCAPTCHA, which typically restores access. However, persistent issues suggest deeper underlying causes. The company’s support documentation points to the possibility of malware compromising a user’s system. Malicious software can generate automated search queries without the user’s knowledge, mimicking patterns associated with bots or malicious actors attempting to abuse Google’s search services.
The proliferation of infostealers like Lumma Stealer, as reported by Microsoft, highlights the growing threat of malware capable of generating automated traffic. These programs can be difficult to detect without specialized security software and expertise. Users are advised to scan their systems for malware and consult with IT professionals for thorough cleanup. The presence of malware can be insidious, operating without the user’s awareness.
Beyond malware, the use of VPNs is frequently implicated. Google’s systems may flag traffic originating from VPNs as suspicious, particularly if other users on the same VPN are engaged in automated searches. This can also occur with IPv6 tunnel services and some VPNs and tunnel services may block all traffic due to the difficulty Google faces in distinguishing between legitimate and abusive activity.
One user reported experiencing the issue repeatedly on their desktop computer, requiring them to solve up to six reCAPTCHAs to complete a single search. The user had already attempted to resolve the issue by using malwarebytes, which only identified and removed Cheat Engine. The problem, however, persisted for over a year, leading the user to abandon using their desktop for searches.
The issue isn’t limited to individual users. Google has acknowledged that network-level issues can also trigger the “unusual traffic” detection. If others sharing the same network, such as at a school or business, are sending automated searches, it can impact all users on that network. Similarly, if multiple users are sharing the same internet provider, automated searches originating from within that provider’s network can trigger the block.
For users consistently encountering the problem, Google recommends several steps. These include learning how to detect and remove malware, contacting a network administrator or IT professional, uninstalling the VPN or contacting the VPN provider, or contacting their internet provider.
The ongoing nature of these disruptions underscores the challenges Google faces in balancing security and accessibility. While the company’s efforts to protect its search services from abuse are necessary, the recurring issues highlight the need for more refined detection methods that minimize disruption to legitimate users.
