Gmail is set to use the 'Always use https' setting by default, but you can change this setting anytime. Here's some background on why we default to this option: If you sign in to Gmail via a non-secure Internet connection, like a public wireless or non-encrypted network, your Google account may be more vulnerable to hijacking. Non-secure networks make it easier for someone to impersonate you and gain full access to your Google account, including any sensitive data it may contain like bank statements or online log-in credentials. HTTPS, or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure, is a secure protocol that provides authenticated and encrypted communication.

To disable or re-enable this feature in Gmail:

1. Click the gear icon in the upper right, then select Settings.
2. In the General tab, set 'Browser Connection' to 'Always use https' or 'Don't always use https.'
   If you've never changed the setting before, no radio buttons will be selected, even though the default is indeed 'Always use https'.
3. Click Save Changes.
4. Manually change the URL to http://mail.google.com to start accessing Gmail via http.

Please note that selecting 'Always use https' will prevent you from accessing Gmail via HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol). If you trust the security of your network, you can turn this feature off at any time.

If you use a public computer to check your email, it's also important to sign out at the end each of your Gmail sessions. Just click your name in the upper right corner, and select Sign out. Also, make sure you close all Gmail browser1 windows.