In an effort to improve the security of web apps, Google has stated that developers must use SSL (Secure Socket Layers) in some of its APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). Some Google apps already use SSL, such as Gmail and Google Docs, but they are now focusing on developer APIs.
The line is already in the sand–developers must use SSL when using Google’s Documents List, Spreadsheet and Sites APIs as of September 15th. Aside from the slight URL change from the standard “http://” to “https://”, users are unlikely to notice anything different when using the apps.
Other industry leaders, including Microsoft, Facebook and Twitter, have begun offering the option of using SSL for enhanced security. Plain text internet transactions are going away, at least for Google, this summer.
