Reddit is a general discussion forum. Its services are similar to Pakwheels (which is car enthusiast forum).
Last year, they made HTTPS browsing available for users who would want it. As many thingsdeal differently with HTTP and HTTPS traffic, they gave some time before going default HTTPS so the users can adjust.
Recently, they have made HTTPS mandatory. Now even if some user wants to access the site in plain HTTP, it is not possible, it will automatically convert to HTTPS as standard.
To quote them: "...we're ready to enforce that everyone use a secure connection with reddit."
& "...redirecting all site traffic to be over HTTPS and HTTP will no longer be available."
The message is clear. Data privacy will not be left as an optional measure.
More info here: https://www.reddit.com/r/redditdev/c...le_over_https/
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In addition, Bing.com is moving all their search queries to be HTTPS.
More: https://blogs.bing.com/webmaster/201...ic-by-default/
To quote, "we?re committed to helping users keep their data safe and secure."
If you remember, Google and its services were already default HTTPS since long.
Now some points:
1. When will Pakwheels.com commit to keep the data of their users safe and secure?
2. If you weren't concerned, data stored in your hard disk is also data which you would want to protect using firewall, antivirus etc. But data moving to and from the remote servers of a company whose services you avail is also your data.
3. Being careless about HTTPS is just similar to saying that I will protect only that of my jewelry and cash which is at home, not the one which is being transported to somewhere on the roads. Now consider which of your assets need more safety, the ones in your possession or the ones in transit?
4. Your browsing habits is also your data. When you log on to Pakwheels.com, you can look for motorcycles or cars, you can go in Honda or Toyota, which is fine for Pakwheels.com server to know otherwise how could they provide us the service. Also, it is governed by Terms of Service (TOS) and the law of the land. But would you want to leave the information (your browsing habits and personal details) open for potentially anybody to see, alter, record, track down and possibly gain commercial advantage by selling it? How would you even know it has happened?
5. If not, why not ask Pakwheels.com management to implement compulsory HTTPS.