Google Algorithm Changes Will Not Be Panda, Penguin, Or HTTPS

Remember the Google update that was rumored to be Panda? Well, it's not. Neither is it Penguin nor HTTPS.

So, what was the update if not the Panda algorithm? It is simply an update to Google's core search algorithm.

The confirmation comes straight from the horse's mouth: Google confirmed the update not being Panda to publication Search Engine Land. Google also revealed that, since it is working on improving search processes, one can expect more algorithm updates in the future.

"This is not a Panda update. As you know, we're always making improvements to our search algorithms and the web is constantly evolving. We're going to continue to work on improvements across the board," asserted Google in a statement.

For those wondering what "improvements" Google has in mind, tough luck as it is not divulging anything. Google's Webmaster Trends Analyst Gary Illyes echoed the same when he took to Twitter to clarify a query:

In case you're contemplating the possibility of the update being Penguin—if it is not Panda—drop the thought! John Mueller, also Google's Webmaster Trends Analyst, confirmed in a video hangout on Wednesday, June 17, that the update was neither Panda nor Penguin. However, Moz's Dr. Peter J. Meyers thinks that perhaps the update was giving HTTPS a bump up. His blog post explored the possibility of the update being HTTPS related as changes to Mozcast were spotted. "I noticed that some Wikipedia URLs seemed to be flipping from HTTP to HTTPS. I ran a quick count, and this wasn't just a fluke. It turns out that Wikipedia started switching their entire site to HTTPS around June 12 (hat tip to Jan Dunlop). This change is expected to take a couple of weeks," wrote Dr. Pete in his post. He also named the update "The Colossus Update." Illyes, however, burst Dr. Pete's bubble and discarded the notion via a Twitter post.

Photo: Jacinta Iluch Valero | Flickr