Google Chrome is going to stop marking HTTPS sites as “Secure”, and will instead tell you when a site you visit is “Not Secure”.
It’s a sensible change as − as Google explains − “users should expect that the web is safe by default”.
Related: Best web browser
The changes will be made gradually over the course of this year. In July, all HTTP-only sites will be marked “Not Secure” in Chrome. In September, with the arrival of Chrome 69, the green “Secure” label for HTTPS sites will vanish from the address bar.
Finally, in October, when Chrome 70 comes out, Google will make the “Not Secure” warning for HTTP sites flash from grey to red as soon as you start typing.
Chrome 70 treatment for HTTP pages with user input
“Previously, HTTP usage was too high to mark all HTTP pages with a strong red warning, but in October 2018 (Chrome 70), we’ll start showing the red “not secure” warning when users enter data on HTTP pages,” wrote Chrome Security product manager Emily Schechter in a blog post.
“We hope these changes continue to pave the way for a web that’s easy to use safely, by default. HTTPS is cheaper and easier than ever before, and unlocks powerful capabilities − so don’t wait to migrate to HTTPS!”
Do you think the move makes sense, or did you find the “Secure” label reassuring? Share your thoughts @TrustedReviews.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
