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Skype “Call Me” button – no SSL support!!

To my dismay and total surprise, Skype does not offer an SSL version of its Call Me or Status buttons (link). I emailed them about this and they confirmed that it is not possible at this time, but that they would keep it in mind as a feature request. To me this is not a feature, but a basic must-have. HTTPS connections are a staple and a fact of life that should not have been overlooked. It should not be complicated to enable that, but considering that they have been in business for seven years, perhaps there is some fundamental roadblock preventing this.

Google Analytics uses JavaScript to determine whether the connection uses HTTP or HTTPS. Skype also uses an external JavaScript file, but forcibly loads it over HTTP, which is a problem for sites running on an HTTPS connection (SSL), because it will trigger “mixed content” and “potentially unsafe” content warnings in some browsers, depending on visitors’ browser settings. That can reduce customer trust, which in turn can have an impact on online sales or user stickiness.

If you need to use Skype buttons on a site that is accessed over SSL, beware.