Google has made a change to Google Search, requiring users have JavaScript enabled in their browser in order to use the site.

Until now, users could have JavaScript disabled and still use Google Search. While JavaScript is commonly used for a variety of reasons, including animations, media playback, web forms, data collection, and loading or reloading content without refreshing the entire webpage, as is common with various web applications.

Nearly all websites use JavaScript to some degree, making it somewhat surprising that Google search still allowed users to have it disabled. According to users on social media, Google is redirecting those with JavaScript turned off to a page warning them they will need to enabled it to continue searching.

In a statement to TechCrunch, Google said it had made the change in the interest of security.

“Enabling JavaScript allows us to better protect our services and users from bots and evolving forms of abuse and spam,” the spokesperson said, “and to provide the most relevant and up-to-date information.”

It’s interesting that Google is citing security as the reason for requiring JavaScript, given that JavaScript has a history being impacted by security vulnerabilities.

As TechCrunch points out, Google may be trying to reduce third-party access to Google Search data, since multiple third-party tools began experiencing issues accessing such data since the change.

It’s also possible Google want’s JavaScript access enabled since it plays such a role in collecting user browsing data. The company has taken steps to obsolete the framework plugins have used for years, including some of the most popular ad-blocking plugins available. As a result, Chrome users’ ability to block ads and tracking has been effectively crippled.