Google SEO
2012–2016 (7 documented iterations) — Search Engine Land
How did Penguin evolve?
Several versions preceded Penguin 4.0 in 2016, when it became a real-time signal capable of devaluing problematic links without necessarily penalizing an entire website.
Further analysis
Use this entry as an audit checkpoint. The cited source establishes the context; the direct answer identifies what to check before choosing an action.
In SFT, this topic relates to Flow, Trust. Check whether the signal is visible on the page, connected to the rest of the website and supported by understandable evidence.
Related search terms include Penguin iterations, Penguin update history. Use them to describe the issue in a brief, audit or answer page.
Applying SFT
Flow connects the answer to other website entities through internal links, logical journeys, categories and pillar pages.
Trust requires observable evidence: sources, consistency, citations, identifiable authors and verifiable claims.