Just wanted to see if there was a preferred way of preventing search engines from indexing file uploads. Example, one site is using Gravity forms as the way for students to upload their essays for an essay contest. I just want to make sure that those essays are protected against search engines. Other than just placing a special robots.txt file in the /wp-content/uploads/gravity_forms/ folder, is there something else that should be done?
PLEASE NOTE: These forums are no longer utilized and are provided as an archive for informational purposes only. All support issues will be handled via email using our support ticket system. For more detailed information on this change, please see this blog post.
Best way to protect file uploads
-
I'll ask around, but I believe placing a robots.txt file is going to be your best bet.
The search engines would only be able to index files that are linked to from a public page. If you have nothing linking to those files, the search engines are going to find them.
But placing a robots.txt with no follow would certainly add some additional protection to tell search spiders to stay away.
Posted 14 years ago on Wednesday November 11, 2009 | Permalink
