The NOSCRIPT element is often used to provide users that have browsers that don’t read JavaScript and alternative method of accessing the web site. I actually used it on my old web site when the home page was very JavaScript dependent.

Today, I saw a thread where Google warned against using the NOSCRIPT tag.

Googler, JohnMu, said in a thread, “the problems with noscript is that it’s been abused quite a bit by spammers, so search engines might treat it with some suspicion.” In fact, in 2006 Brett Tabke said links in noscript tags didn’t pass PageRank.

JohnMu actually offered it as an alternative for one webmaster, saying, “I imagine the use of a noscript element in the way you are using it might be a fairly safe compromise.” But then went on to say that search engines are suspicious when it is used. Let me quote John fully:

So be careful when using this and try everything you can do avoid it.

Forum discussion at Google Webmaster Help.