Internet Archive unveils tool to save the web from dead links
Internet Archive has released Link Fixer, a new WordPress plugin that automatically handles broken links across the web, TechCrunch reports. The problem, often called “link rot,” causes articles to end up being filled with dead links that lead to 404 error pages.
According to the Pew Research Group, about 38% of all web pages that existed in 2013 would be “no longer accessible” by 2024. Ouch.
The plugin was developed in collaboration with Automattic (a major contributor to the development of the WordPress platform) and uses the Wayback Machine Internet Archive. It scans WordPress posts for external links and ensures they are archived. If a link later disappears, the player is automatically sent to a saved version. When the original page becomes available again, the link is restored without any manual intervention necessary.
Link Fixer also archives website content and allows the user to choose how often links should be checked. The default setting is every 3 days. With WordPress powering over 43% of the web in 2025, this plugin could be effective, if it catches on.
