A redirect is a tool used by websites for “rerouting” or sending a visitor to an alternative webpage. An example of a redirect would be when you type “example.com” in your web-browser, but are taken to a different website, like “new-example.com.”
URL redirects are an extremely common practice employed by webmasters and content managers to ensure visitors to their website are reaching their desired content.
When you request a web-page from your browser, there is a server somewhere on the Internet that is receiving your request and responding with the appropriate content. Fundamentally, a redirect occurs when a web-server's response contains a special piece of data (an HTTP response header) instructing the browser to reroute the visitor to an alternative location.
The technical details aside, a browser works by requesting a URL and rendering the page that is returned by the website. If the website wishes the user to be redirected, the server will respond differently than if it was serving a page; it will send an extra piece of data indicating that the visitor should be redirected to a specified location.
Without going into too much of the technical details – a redirect is a behavior performed by a web-browser whenever it receives a response containing a flag (an HTTP header) to do so.
Commonly referred to as a “permanent” redirect.
Indicates to search-engines and web-browsers that the requested page has permanently relocated to a new location.
Note: permanent redirects are often cached by web-browsers like Chrome and Firefox. Therefore, it may be tricky to retroactively update a 301 redirects target location once it has been established. Any visitors who have already received the 301 redirect response for a URL will likely be served a cached response from their web-browser when visiting the same URL again.
Suggestion Only use a 301 redirect when you know that the target location will not change.
Common Uses
Commonly referred to as a “temporary” redirect.
Useful for general-purpose redirects within your website, where you do not want visitor’s to cache the redirect response permanently.
Suggestion Use 302 redirects for pages that have changed URL, but are subject to be updated in the future
Common Uses
Uncommon due to legacy browser support
Used for technical scenarios when a visitor’s HTTP request method should be persisted when they are redirected. For example, if a user submits a form, the browser normally issues a POST request to the form’s action URL. If the server responds with a 302 redirect response, the client’s web-browser would typically issue a GET request when handling the redirect. However, if the server responds with a 307 redirect response, the client’s web-browser will POST request to the redirect destination. Please note, form-data is typically lost when redirecting via POST request.
The most common use-cases that would require a redirect are:
In recent years, technology has increasingly served as an instrumental tool in organizing protests and rights movements. While social media and encrypted messaging apps often steal the spotlight, a quieter, often under appreciated technology is also making a significant impact - QR codes. As a digital catalyst, a simple square image can prove to be a crucial asset in modern-day activism.
In 2019, one of the most pronounced uses of QR codes in protests emerged in Hong Kong. The protestors took advantage of the innocuous appearance of QR codes to silently spread information and rally support.
For instance, Bridgefy, a mesh networking app, gained significant traction during this time. Protestors would scan a QR code shared in person or printed on fliers, which would then redirect them to download the app. Once installed, Bridgefy allowed users to communicate without internet connectivity, leveraging Bluetooth to send messages directly between devices.
This approach was highly effective as it bypassed potential surveillance measures and internet blackouts. Moreover, the messages exchanged remained within the confines of the app, making it an ideal platform for discussing sensitive topics and coordinating actions.
In a similar vein, during the 2020 protests in Belarus against President Alexander Lukashenko, QR codes played a vital role. Protestors disseminated QR codes which, when scanned, directed users to resources about civil disobedience, protest safety tips, and legal advice for those arrested during protests.
Most notably, the QR codes were embedded in digital artworks and graffiti, physically plastered in public spaces, and shared on social media platforms. The encoded information was not only practical but also provided an emotional support system for protestors, reinforcing a sense of solidarity and resilience amidst the tumultuous situation.
In the context of rights movements, QR codes have been employed as a means to distribute information quickly and efficiently. For example, during the Black Lives Matter movement, QR codes were used on protest signs, in social media posts, and on websites to share links to educational resources, donation pages, and petitions.
These QR codes served as gateways to comprehensive information about systemic racism, providing an opportunity for self-education for those interested in supporting the movement. By reducing the number of steps needed to access such resources, QR codes enabled instant engagement, broadening the reach of the movement.
While the usage of QR codes in protests and rights movements has been remarkably beneficial, it's not without potential drawbacks. Privacy concerns stand foremost, as tracking a scanned QR code is technically possible, potentially leading to breaches in anonymity.
Additionally, misinformation can be spread through these codes, leading to confusion and disruption. Hence, it's imperative for protestors and supporters to verify the sources of QR codes and the information they provide.
The effective role of QR codes in protests and rights movements is an important illustration of how technology can be repurposed for social activism. By serving as silent providers for communication and resource sharing, QR codes have emerged as a critical tool in the organization and propagation of these movements. However, like all tools, they must be used responsibly and with an awareness of the potential risks involved.