Sections of this topic
In this article, we’ll look at the reasons behind the change of Chrome’s lock icon and how the new design aims to improve users’ understanding of website security.
Key Takeaways:
- Google is replacing Chrome’s lock icon with a tune icon to avoid confusion about website trustworthiness.
- Only 11% of users understood the intended purpose of the lock icon.
- Over 95% of Chrome webpages loaded on Windows are using HTTPS, making it the default connection.
- The new tune icon encourages users to access more information about security and connection settings.
The Misunderstood Lock Icon: A Brief History
Ever since the introduction of HTTPS by Netscape in the ’90s, the lock icon has been a constant presence in web browsers.
It was initially designed to inform users when a website used a secure network connection.
However, over time, the meaning of the lock icon has become less clear, with only 11% of users understanding its intended purpose, according to a 2021 study conducted by Google.
As HTTPS became more prevalent, the lock icon’s role diminished. Today, over 95% of Chrome webpages loaded on Windows use HTTPS, making it the default connection.
This shift has led to confusion, with users often mistaking the lock icon as an overall indication of trust or reliability.
This misinterpretation can be potentially dangerous, as HTTPS doesn’t protect against threats like phishing scams.
Tune Icon: A New Symbol for Security Settings
To address the confusion surrounding the lock icon, Google will replace it with a variant of the tune icon, often associated with control menus. The new icon is set to debut with the release of Chrome 117 in September.
This design change is part of a larger Material You-themed redesign of the browser.
The new tune icon doesn’t carry the same connotations of trustworthiness as the lock icon.
Moreover, it’s more suggestive of settings or controls, making it a better fit for its purpose.
The tune icon will continue to mark plaintext HTTP connections as insecure, just like the lock icon did, but without misleading users about a site’s overall trustworthiness.
Encouraging Users to Explore Security and Connection Settings
The main aim of the updated melody symbol is to motivate people to click on it and explore further details about their safety and connection configurations.
Google’s research shows that few people were aware of this function when using the lock icon.
By using the tune icon, which is more closely associated with settings and controls, Google hopes to promote better understanding and use of the available security features.
The controls on the page for the tune icon will stay the same, but the goal of the design change is to enhance their visibility and ease of use for users.
Previous Attempts to Redesign the Lock Icon
Google has tried to change the lock symbol before. Back in 2016, they made the icon less colorful and more plain-looking.
Google had also been re-examining the design since 2021, initially planning to replace it with a downward-pointing arrow.
The arrow was arguably a better choice from a UI perspective, as it suggested expandability for more information.
However, the company ultimately decided on the tune icon, which better represents a slider control.
Availability of the New Icon on Different Platforms
The new tune icon will be rolled out simultaneously on desktop and Android platforms in early September 2023.
Google has decided to get rid of the lock symbol in Chrome on iOS since it wasn’t clickable on that system.
Those who can use the Chrome Canary channel, which is a test version of the browser that comes out early, can see the new music symbol by turning on the Chrome Refresh 2023 feature.
It’s important to remember that the function is still being worked on and could undergo modifications before it is officially launched.
In Conclusion
The replacement of Chrome’s lock icon with the tune icon marks a significant step in enhancing users’ understanding of website security.
As the use of HTTPS becomes more widespread, it’s essential for users to realize that the lock icon is not an all-encompassing indicator of trust or reliability.
The introduction of the tune icon aims to provide clarity on this matter and encourage users to delve deeper into their security and connection settings.
By making this change, Google is taking a proactive approach to help users stay informed and better protected while browsing the internet.
The tune icon will foster a more accurate perception of web security, ultimately leading to a safer browsing experience for all.
