Google Chrome revealed that it would remove the Secure URL label from its platform in September. The feature helped users identify if websites are safe.
Ever-Evolving Security
On Thursday, May 17, Chrome Security Product Manager Emily Schechter posted on Google Chrome's official blog about the decision that would change Google Chrome's security. Starting in September, with Chrome version 69, users will notice that websites that have the HTTPS designation will no longer have the green "Secure" text and lock that appear in the URL bar.
Schechter wrote that Google Chrome is doing this because they believe users know that the web is safe. She also added that internet users would recognize dangerous websites and remember not to enter them. Schechter posted a graphic that showed the eventual treatment when it came to HTTPS websites, in which security graphics or features would be removed from Google Chrome's future versions.
What is HTTPS And How Do I Get It?
HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol. HTTP helps internet users communicate with other sites on the World Wide Web. The 'S' at the end of HTTPS stands for "Secure." If websites do not have HTTPS, this means that users' data information could be compromised and fall into third parties' hands.
Websites that do not have HTTPS will need to purchase an SSL certificate. The SSL functions as secure encryption that will allow the web server to interact with the browser safely.
It is highly recommended that content creators backup their website in case they need to revert to HTTP. Other recommendations include updating code libraries and converting internal links from HTTP to HTTPS.
The Fall Of HTTP Websites
HTTP websites may soon have a terrible time dealing with Google Chrome starting in July. When visitors visit non-HTTPS sites, the web browser will showcase a red warning icon and a "Not secure" label in the URL bar. By the time Chrome 70 is released in October, users who visit a website that does not have HTTPS certification will be greeted with not only a "Not secure" label but also a red warning icon. Schechter noted that this process would mark an end of a Google Chrome positive security features.
"Since we'll soon start making all HTTP pages as 'not secure,' we'll step towards removing Chrome's positive security indicators so that the default unmarked state is secure," said Schecter to CNet.
Additional Google News
A 9-minute video called The Selfish Ledger was leaked from Google, which shows how the technology company would gather large amounts of data. They would use that data to influence people's behavior. Google stated that the point of the video was to be disturbing. It also revealed that the video is not related to any Google products.
Google also announced that it would retire both Play Music and YouTube Red. YouTube Music and YouTube Premium would replace both products. YouTube Music will eventually replace Play Music, but it would cost users $10 a month. The YouTube Premium feature will allow viewers to see content without ads for $12 a month.
Company employees were unhappy with Google leaders after they refused to cancel a controversial project with the Pentagon. A dozen employees left their jobs after Google planned to work on Project Maven, which will strengthen the U.S. Armed Forces' drones by giving them the knowledge to categorize places and people during their missions. Thousands of Google employees signed an internal petition advising Google CEO Sundar Pichai to discontinue the company's association with the Pentagon.
Tech Times reached out to Google for a comment on this story.
