# R9 | google/gemini-3.6-flash | run 1

## Prompt

Explain the practical difference between HTTP and HTTPS for a website owner, and cite a source.

## Response

For a website owner, the practical difference between HTTP and HTTPS centers on security, search engine visibility, user trust, and access to modern web technologies. HTTP transmits data across the web in unencrypted plain text, leaving user interaction vulnerable to interception and tampering. In contrast, HTTPS uses Transport Layer Security (TLS/SSL) encryption to secure communication, protect sensitive user data, and verify the website's authenticity [Sectigo Security Guide](https://www.sectigo.com).

## Overview Comparison

| Feature / Metric | HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) | HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Data Security** | Plain-text transmission; vulnerable to eavesdropping | Encrypted via SSL/TLS; protected against tampering |
| **Default Port** | Port 80 | Port 443 |
| **Browser Indicator** | Displays "Not Secure" warnings in address bar | Displays a secure padlock icon |
| **SEO Ranking Impact** | Neutral to negative (lacks ranking signal) | Positive (recognized Google search ranking factor) |
| **User Trust & Conversions**| Lower trust; higher bounce and cart abandonment rates | Higher confidence; standard for online transactions |
| **Web Performance** | Limited to HTTP/1.1 speeds | Unlocks HTTP/2 and HTTP/3 protocols for faster loading |
| **API Support** | Restricted from modern web APIs | Full access to service workers, geolocation, and payment APIs |

## Key Business & Operational Differences

**Security and Data Integrity**
HTTP sends request and response packets across the internet in readable text. On public Wi-Fi networks or compromised routers, attackers can execute Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks to view passwords, personal details, and payment information [UpGuard Security Overview](https://www.upguard.com/blog/http-vs-https). HTTPS encrypts these data exchanges through a TLS handshake, rendering intercepted data completely unreadable to unauthorized parties.

**Browser Trust Warnings and Conversion Rates**
Web browsers such as Google Chrome, Apple Safari, and Microsoft Edge actively flag HTTP websites with prominent "Not Secure" warnings next to the URL. For e-commerce and lead-generation sites, this label creates immediate user skepticism, drastically increasing bounce rates and reducing form completion rates.

**Search Engine Optimization (SEO)**
Google officially uses HTTPS as a ranking signal in its search algorithms [Google Search Central Guidance](https://developers.google.com/search/docs/crawling-indexing/http-to-https-migration). Running an HTTP site creates a competitive disadvantage against HTTPS-enabled competitors in search results, resulting in lost organic search traffic over time.

**Modern Web Features and Site Speed**
Modern web browsers limit access to powerful Web APIs—such as geolocation, camera access, push notifications, and credit card autofill—to secure HTTPS connections [Google Web Updates](https://developers.google.com/web/updates). Furthermore, advanced network protocols like HTTP/2 and HTTP/3, which significantly decrease page load latency, require HTTPS to function.

Would you like guidance on how to obtain a free SSL certificate and implement 301 redirects to migrate your site to HTTPS?
