Google’s lock icon is an iconic symbol on the internet browser for years. When user sees this lock icon on a page, they feel a kind of security and peace of mind to the webpage holder. But what if this icon will be no longer seen on the Chrome browser? Chrome has announced that soon there will be a transition in the lock icon that signals a secure HTTPS connection. They are going to introduce more neutral icons for a better user experience.
Chrome explained:
“HTTPS was originally so rare that at one point, Internet Explorer popped up an alert to users to notify them that the connection was secured by HTTPS, reminiscent of the “Everything’s Okay” alarm from The Simpsons. When HTTPS was rare, the lock icon drew attention to the additional protections provided by HTTPS.
Today, this is no longer true, and HTTPS is the norm, not the exception, and we’ve been evolving Chrome accordingly.”
Is the Lock Icon Misleading?
According to Google’s research, the lock icon is no longer a symbol of security. It doesn’t mean the site is secure. The lock icon indicates that the website is using HTTPS, but there is no more assurance that the site is safe from malware or any other security threads.
Based on recent research Google says that customers still relate safety to the lock icon.
“We redesigned the lock icon in 2016 after our research showed that many users misunderstood what the icon conveyed.
Despite our best efforts, our research in 2021 showed that only 11% of study participants correctly understood the precise meaning of the lock icon.
This misunderstanding is not harmless — nearly all phishing sites use HTTPS, and therefore also display the lock icon.
Misunderstandings are so pervasive that many organizations, including the FBI, publish explicit guidance that the lock icon is not an indicator of website safety.”
Google’s New Tune Icon
Google has come up with a new icon to be more accurate with communication, the new HTTPS status will assure the website security without any misleading.
Google’s new Tune Icon that Chrome will feature.
Is website security not prioritized?
The incoming of this new Tune Icon doesn’t mean that website security is longer necessary. It is introduced to make the website more secure and give a better user experience. Website owners should continue prioritizing HTTPS to protect their user data. Even after the lock symbol, a green address bar, a padlock symbol, or an extended validation certificate must be looked after.
It is the responsibility of the site owners to look after the security issues. One must make sure that the user’s data are secured from hackers. Consulting an SEO expert for the website is essential to check out the on-page optimization and technical SEO of the web pages. It keeps the website more secure and away from any harmful vulnerabilities.
So, when does the new Tune Icon coming out?
Based on the recent news, the icon will premier in Chrome 117, and it is scheduled to release in September 2023. Chrome declares that this icon is scheduled for both desktop and Android versions of Chrome. Moreover, it will be removed from the iOS version for once and all.
The new Tune icon is Google’s attempt to make the website safer, still, it’s the duty of the site holders to make sure that their website is up-to-date. Partnering with a certified digital marketing agency will help you to assist your website on point, and brings a higher ranking on the search engine result page.
FAQs
- What is Google Lock Icon?
Google’s lock icon is an indicator that assures the user, that the network connection is secure between the internet browser and the website. It makes sure that the user’s data won’t be shared with a third party.
- Is Google Chrome Lock Icon going away?
Yes, Google is going to remove the lock icon from the Chrome browser.
- Why Google is going to replace the lock icon?
Google considers that the Chrome browser’s lock symbol is misleading. To reduce confusion, Google has planned to replace the lock icon with the ‘Tune Icon.’
- What does Google’s green lock mean?
Google’s green lock means that a secure protocol is used for the connection.
- When the Google’s new Tune Icon will come into use?
According to recent news, the new tune icon will be released in September 2023.
