Why do all affiliate markets not use (rel="noreferrer noopener") in affiliate links?

@elliott 

The "rel" attribute with the values "noreferrer noopener" is used in links to improve security and protect users' privacy. The "noreferrer" value tells the browser not to send the referrer information to the linked website when the user clicks on the link. This can prevent the linked website from knowing which website the user came from, which can help protect the user's privacy.

The "noopener" value is used to prevent the linked website from being able to manipulate the page that opened the link using JavaScript. This can help prevent certain types of security vulnerabilities, such as clickjacking attacks.

In the context of affiliate marketing, using "rel=noreferrer noopener" in affiliate links can help protect both the affiliate marketer and the user. By preventing the linked website from knowing which website the user came from, it can make it harder for the linked website to steal commissions from the affiliate marketer by bypassing the affiliate link. Additionally, using "noopener" can help prevent certain types of attacks that could compromise the user's security.

However, not all affiliate marketers may be aware of the benefits of using "rel=noreferrer noopener" or may not be using it for other reasons. For example, some affiliate programs may have specific requirements for how affiliate links are formatted, and using "rel=noreferrer noopener" may not be allowed. Additionally, some affiliate marketers may not be familiar with HTML and may not know how to add the "rel" attribute to their links.

@elliott 

Another possible reason is that some affiliate marketers prioritize convenience or simplicity over security and privacy. Adding the "rel=noreferrer noopener" attribute to every affiliate link might require extra effort and time, especially for marketers who have a large number of links to manage. They may prioritize other aspects of their marketing strategy, such as conversions or sales, over the security and privacy benefits of using the attribute. Additionally, some marketers may not be aware of the potential risks associated with not using "rel=noreferrer noopener" or may underestimate their importance. Education and awareness about the benefits of using this attribute could potentially encourage more affiliate marketers to adopt it in their links.

@elliott 

Additionally, some affiliate marketers may prioritize tracking and analytics over the security and privacy benefits of "rel=noreferrer noopener". By not using this attribute, they can track and analyze the referral data more effectively, allowing them to gain insights into their marketing efforts and make adjustments accordingly. This tracking information can be valuable for optimizing their affiliate campaigns and increasing conversions.

There may also be technical limitations or restrictions imposed by the affiliate networks or platforms that prevent the use of "rel=noreferrer noopener" in affiliate links. Some affiliate networks might have specific rules or requirements for how links should be formatted or may not support the use of certain HTML attributes. In such cases, affiliate marketers may have no choice but to comply with these restrictions and not include the attribute in their links.

Ultimately, the decision to use or not use "rel=noreferrer noopener" in affiliate links is dependent on various factors including the marketer's priorities, technical limitations, and awareness about the security and privacy benefits.