What are the potential security risks of using JavaScript to control access to links in PHP applications?

Potential security risks of using JavaScript to control access to links in PHP applications include client-side manipulation, bypassing of restrictions, and exposure of sensitive information. To mitigate these risks, access control should be enforced on the server-side using PHP to ensure that only authorized users can access certain links or resources.

// Check if user is logged in before allowing access to a link
session_start();

if (!isset($_SESSION['user_id'])) {
    header('Location: login.php');
    exit();
}

// Link to be accessed only by logged-in users
echo '<a href="dashboard.php">Dashboard</a>';