The last big study of web pages found that over a third available in 2013 were now inaccessible – leaving a trail of “link rot” in their wake. Photograph: iStockThe internet is so vast and all-consuming that it’s easy to forget how fragile it can be. The last big study of web pages found that more than a third available in 2013 were now inaccessible – leaving a trail of “link rot” in their wake. Even online snapshots of web pages may prove less durable than physical archives. We treat the internet as if it is limitless and permanent, but transience is inbuilt.

Source: The Irish Times April 08, 2026 11:31 UTC