Most of us don’t think twice before clicking on a website link. Be it shopping online, checking a news story, or signing into a portal, we often click on sites that are unknown. But behind every click lies a silent layer of protection that keeps our data safe from prying eyes: HTTPS encryption. And Google wants to make sure no one browses without it.
SurveyStarting October next year, Chrome will begin showing warnings before you visit any public website that doesn’t use HTTPS, alerting users about the risks of unsecured connections. The move is part of Google’s long-term push to make HTTPS the internet’s default standard and to finally phase out old, unsafe HTTP sites. The feature will roll out in stages, beginning April 2026 for users with Enhanced Safe Browsing before expanding globally six months later.
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Google Chrome’s new warning system
The upcoming update will make “Always Use Secure Connections” the default setting in Chrome version 154. When users try to open a site without HTTPS, Chrome will display a clear, bypassable warning about the risks of unencrypted connections. However, private sites such as local IP addresses or internal company networks will be excluded from this feature since they’re less prone to attacks.
Google says the new system won’t repeatedly warn users about the same insecure sites. On average, most users will see fewer than one warning a week, ensuring that security alerts don’t become intrusive.
Why HTTPS matters and what website owners should do
HTTPS encrypts data between your browser and a website, preventing hackers from intercepting personal information like passwords and credit card details. Despite massive adoption, millions of HTTP sites still exist, creating potential security risks.
Website owners have roughly a year to migrate their sites to HTTPS before Chrome starts flagging them. Google has also promised to make HTTPS certification easier, especially for small and private network sites. Until then, users can manually enable the “Always Use Secure Connections” option in Chrome settings to stay protected.
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Divyanshi Sharma
Divyanshi Sharma is a media and communications professional with over 8 years of experience in the industry. With a strong background in tech journalism, she has covered everything from the latest gadgets to gaming trends and brings a sharp editorial lens to every story. She holds a master’s diploma in mass communication and a bachelor’s degree in English literature. Her love for writing and gaming began early—often skipping classes to try out the latest titles—which naturally evolved into a career at the intersection of technology and storytelling. When she’s not working, you’ll likely find her exploring virtual worlds on her console or PC, or testing out a new laptop she managed to get her hands on. View Full Profile
