What is this random code generated by the backward links query

Is it a measure to prevent remote sites/tools querying for backward links?

[ekimmerce]

I don't know if anyone has noticed, and apologies in advance if this has been known for a while now.

It appears as if Google returning a random code upon lookup of backward links (external indexed links to your site). I initially assumed that it would be a measure to prevent other sites and tools from doing automated lookups though trying some remote sites and tools this morning, they came back with a list of backwards links without any problems.

Try it for yourself, you want to see what Im banging on about....
1. open up www.google.co.uk in your browser
2. search for google.com
3. Click on "Find web pages that link to google.com"
4. Look at the string of characters after the "link:..." in the search box.

What is this code?!? (this is becoming as mad as trying to figure out "what is the matrix, neo....")

Also another point, has anyone noticed that you cant look up backward links from your toolbar anymore? is this because my google toolbar is old, smelly and needs updating? my current version is 1.1.70.

[SlyOldDog]

It seems the code us a unique identifier for a particular web site.

link:LNvBYqpFMC8C:www.google.com/

Try replacing google.com with another url in the above query. The query still shows backlinks for Google.com