HTTPSin

HTTPSin is a term used in theoretical discussions to describe a proposed extension to the Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) intended to enhance privacy and integrity in web communications. It is not a formal standard and has not been adopted by the IETF or major browser vendors as of 2025.

Definition and goals: HTTPSin envisions additional cryptographic protections that bind content to its origin beyond what is provided by TLS alone. Proponents describe end-to-end verification of content provenance, stronger defense against traffic analysis in certain deployment scenarios, and improved control over cross-origin integrity when content is served through shared infrastructure such as content delivery networks.

Technical overview: In concept, HTTPSin would operate as an extension layered on top of TLS and the existing HTTP protocol. It would introduce application-layer tokens or proofs that accompany HTTP messages, enabling clients to verify the server identity and content integrity independently of intermediaries. The design emphasizes backward compatibility, allowing environments to adopt the extension incrementally with opt-in negotiation during connection establishment.

Deployment and challenges: Adoption would require coordination among servers, clients, and intermediaries. While designed to be incremental, practical deployment raises questions about performance overhead, middleware interoperability, and potential new attack surfaces. As with any new security model, rigorous analysis and standardized specifications would be necessary.

Status and reception: HTTPSin has appeared mainly in academic and industry discussions as a conceptual approach to extend HTTPS. It is not widely implemented, and there is no consensus on a concrete specification or timeline for standardization as of 2025.

See also: HTTPS, TLS, certificate transparency, content security policy.