Google Chrome To Ditch 'Secure' Label On HTTPS Sites

In the coming months, Google Chrome users will see a change in the browser’s interface, specifically the removal of “Secure” label on HTTPS websites.

Today, when a user visits a website that has HTTPS encryption, they will find a “Secure” tag and a green lock icon on the left side of the browser’s address bar. But in a blog posted on Thursday, Google argued, “Users should expect that the web is safe by default, and they’ll be warned when there’s an issue.”

With that, the tech company deems it would be more fitting to drop the “Secure” tag on websites that are already using the HTTPS encryption. The “Secure” label on HTTPS websites will be removed sometime in September as the Chrome 69 update goes live.

In a preview photo, Google demonstrated the changes to be applied. Once the Chrome 69 is installed, the “Secure” label will be the first one to go. But HTTPS sites will still be accompanied by a gray lock icon on the left corner of the address bar. Google then showed that “eventually” all encrypted websites will no longer need any tags or markings to let users know it is a secure page.

These alterations coincide with the previously announced update that would mark all non-HTTPS websites as “Not Secure.” In February, Google announced that the Chrome 68 patch — to roll out in July — carries an update that will put a “Not Secure” mark on all HTTP websites.

This warning is going to be enhanced once Chrome 70 is released in October. Once this update goes live, the “Not Secure” tag will light up into a red-colored warning when users type in their login details or other data on a website that does not use HTTPS encryption.

“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,” Google said addressing website administrators and owners.