The lock icon, used by web browsers for decades, signifies a site loading over Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS). However, with HTTPS now the norm, Google reports that over 95% of pages loaded in Chrome on Windows utilize it. In contrast, only 14% of the top one million sites used HTTPS in 2013.
Reevaluating the Chrome’s lock icon
In 2016, Google redesigned Chrome’s lock icon following research indicating users’ misunderstanding of its meaning. Nevertheless, in 2021, only 11% of those surveyed knew its true meaning, and many didn’t realize the icon was clickable for more site information. Google expressed concern, as the lock icon doesn’t directly correlate with website safety, contrary to popular belief.
Google plans to replace Chrome’s lock icon with a modified version of the tune icon, believing it doesn’t imply trustworthiness and is a neutral indicator. The new icon appears more clickable and is commonly associated with settings or additional controls. Chrome will continue to alert users when connections aren’t secure.
The updated icon is set to appear for desktop users with Chrome 117’s launch in early September. Users can familiarize themselves with the tune logo in Chrome Canary by enabling Chrome Refresh 2023. The icon will also be replaced on Android simultaneously, while on iOS, the lock icon will be removed entirely, as it isn’t clickable.
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