# R9 | openai/gpt-5.4-mini | run 2

## Prompt

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

## Response

HTTP sends data in plain text, while HTTPS uses TLS to encrypt the connection, verify the site’s identity, and protect data integrity in transit. For a website owner, the practical result is that HTTPS helps prevent password and form-data interception, reduces tampering risk, and is now the expected default for browsers and search engines. ([developer.mozilla.org](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/Security/Defenses/Transport_Layer_Security?utm_source=openai))

## Practical difference for a site owner

- **Security:** HTTPS protects logins, checkout details, and session cookies from being read or altered by someone on the network. HTTP does not. ([developer.mozilla.org](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/Security/Defenses/Transport_Layer_Security?utm_source=openai))
- **Trust:** Browsers can show security warnings or reduced trust signals for HTTP pages, while HTTPS supports the padlock and secure-origin behavior users expect. ([support.google.com](https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/11396518?hl=en&utm_source=openai))
- **SEO and platform compatibility:** Search engines recommend HTTPS, and some modern web features require a secure context, which can affect functionality and visibility. ([support.google.com](https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/11396518?hl=en&utm_source=openai))
- **Operational overhead:** HTTPS requires obtaining and renewing a TLS certificate, but most hosts and CDNs automate this now. ([developer.mozilla.org](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/Security/Defenses/Transport_Layer_Security?utm_source=openai))

## Bottom line

If you run a website today, HTTPS is the standard choice unless you have a very specific legacy reason not to use it. The main tradeoff is small setup/maintenance overhead; the payoff is much better security, user trust, and compatibility. ([developer.mozilla.org](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/Security?utm_source=openai))

Would you like a simple checklist for migrating a site from HTTP to HTTPS?
