it is not a new policy. links to other sites may only be posted if the site admin allows them. this site "keeps the lights" on via members viewing of google ads. linking to other sites that are not authorized by site admin (i.e. the owner) cut the revenue of this site and in turn reduces the ability of this site to stay online.
furthermore, links to outside sources are not peer reviewed by members on this site. one of the most important things about this site is open discussion about a subject with a variety of members providing their views, which the op can take or leave.
if one has further questions about links, please take it to site discussion as further discussion hijacks this thread from the intended use.