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SSL Search

You get a more secure and private search experience with Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). When you search on Google, you use SSL.

How SSL helps protect your data

SSL encrypts the connection between your computer and Google. This helps prevent others, like Internet cafes, Internet Service Providers, and Wi-Fi hotspots, from seeing your search results page and login information.

Limitations

While SSL helps protect your search results, which may include personal results from Google products like Gmail and Google Calendar, it doesn't provide complete security.

SSL doesn't always hide:

  • The fact that you visited google.com
  • The search terms you typed

For example, websites you visit from the Google search results page may identify what site you came from or what your search was.

SSL and schools

If SSL interferes with parental controls, monitoring programs, or auditing software at your work or school, learn more about blocking adult content at your school.

Katie is a Search expert and author of this help page.

Katie is a Search expert and author of this help page. Leave her feedback below about the page.

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