Links within html code - useful for Google or not?

[blessy_smith]

I want to find out how useful or useless are links hidden within html code, that aren't visible on the page? For example, hidden links within free templates.
How does Google attitude to such links after launching Panda and Pinguin? Is there any information regarding this matter?

[theshail]

Google don't like hidden links, it is a black hat technique that can ban your website.