Using the Google Translation WP App use of hreflang

[RobertFisher]

We have a new client using WP with the Google Translate Plugin. This is the plugin where you choose the flag, the language, etc. https://wordpress.org/plugins/google-language-translator/

If you are an SEO who has done some international SEO over a period of time, I have a question. I know how to handle when not using a Google Translator Plugin but am curious about if we are using it.

Obviously, the client wants to be able to target all countries in the americas so it is important. They have the following languages on the site via the plugin: Portuguese, Spanish, French. They are using the Flags of Spain, Portugal, and France to denote language choices.

I am wondering if we are using that would we be wise to include hreflang attributes for language as well. I am fairly certain that we do not need to put in a -ES for every Spanish speaking country in South America, etc. and can simply go with the -ES for the language designation, but am open to others ideas on this.

Thanks

[OlegKorneitchouk]

First off, reconsider using flags as languages.

Secondly, if your content is auto-translated, you shouldn't index it (so don't use hreflang). Per Google:

Use robots.txt to block search engines from crawling automatically translated pages on your site. Automated translations don’t always make sense and could be viewed as spam. More importantly, a poor or artificial-sounding translation can harm your site’s perception.

[RobertFisher]

I don't think you understood. They are not using the flags as languages, please re read. It is a feature in the app that I am asking about. Do you have any experience with it? Thanks