Google Chrome is going to add a security option that will restrict "insecure" HTTP downloads as HTTPS becomes more prevalent on the web.

Google Chrome is going to add a security option that will restrict "insecure" HTTP downloads as HTTPS becomes more prevalent on the web.

In the past, only privacy-sensitive websites, such as banks, required HTTPS encryption. However, as more websites handle our data on a daily basis, HTTPS encryption has become the de facto standard.

Google has added various protections to Chrome over the past few years to encourage the usage of HTTPS connections whenever possible.

Google has added various protections to Chrome over the past few years to encourage the usage of HTTPS connections whenever possible.

Most notably, outdated HTTP websites are now labelled "Not Secure" in the URL bar. 

Most notably, outdated HTTP websites are now labelled "Not Secure" in the URL bar. 

Chrome also prevents secure websites from using insecure web forms and providing insecure downloads by default. This blend of secure and unsecure components is known as "mixed content."

In Chrome's security settings, the company has recently included an option to "Always use secure connections."

If a secure version is not available, an on-screen notice appears, requesting confirmation before proceeding.