Many web browsers such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge will use a lock icon in the address bar to indicate that you are connected to the website via secure HTTPS. However, as Google pointed out in July, many users misunderstood this representation, believing that the icon indicates that you are connected to a trusted website, although this is not necessarily the case. The company said it is exploring the possibility of replacing the lock icon with a down arrow in the Chrome browser.
As we approach the HTTPS-first future, we are also reviewing the lock icon that browsers usually display when loading websites over HTTPS. In particular, our research shows that users often associate this icon with the credibility of the website. And in fact, only the connection is safe. In a recent study, it was found that only 11% of participants were able to correctly identify the meaning of the lock icon.
In order to try to reduce this confusion, the Chrome browser will implement a This experiment replaces the lock in the address bar with a more neutral page information entry (as shown in the figure below). We hope this experiment can improve the discoverability of the key privacy and security information and control provided in the page information.
For example, website permissions. It is important that the insecure indicator will continue to be displayed on websites that do not support HTTPS, and the experiment includes a corporate policy in case the organization wants to opt out. In all cases, if the decision is comprehensive It will be notified in advance.
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Although Google has not yet introduced this change on the stable version of Chrome, Microsoft seems to agree with Google’s position and is considering following the implementation of this change on Edge. As discovered by Reddit user u/Leopeva64-2, Edge Canary now has a down arrow in the address bar instead of a lock icon. This can be seen below.
It should be noted that although this feature is definitely in testing, it is currently provided to specific users on Edge Canary through Microsoft’s controlled promotion strategy. The company may decide to roll out this feature to more people through the browser’s development channels, and then provide it to stable channels. Although the company has not announced any firm release date, the implementation of this implementation is highly dependent on feedback from developers and users.