In plain English
It is the small padlock symbol used to mark a protected browser-to-website connection. The data moving between them is encrypted while it travels. It also means the website's identity has been verified.
In context
In the address bar, the lock icon communicates that the connection between the web browser and the website is encrypted and that the website's identity has been verified.
- Situation
- Understanding encryption, privacy, data-sharing, and secure-connection labels
- What it communicates
- signals site-connection protection in the address bar
Meaning limits
By itself, this term does not establish how the website will use or share data after it receives it.
Examples
“The lock icon stayed visible while the browser was connected to the site, even though the form still asked for separate consent to share the information.”
“In the address bar, a lock icon showed that the browser was using an encrypted connection to the verified site.”