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X Users Face Restrictions on Posting Signal.me Links

X users are currently encountering obstacles when attempting to share links to Signal.me, a platform designed for secure messaging among Signal users. Reports indicate that these links trigger various error notifications, with specific warnings labeling them as spam or associated with malicious activity.

One user experienced this firsthand, receiving a response that stated, “something went wrong, but don’t fret — let’s give it another shot.” This incident was highlighted by Matt Binder, who observed that the issue appears to exclusively affect links from the Signal.me domain, while links to Signal.org and other messaging platforms like Telegram remain accessible.

Signal is particularly favored by journalists for its ability to securely receive sensitive information due to its end-to-end encryption and on-device message storage. The app has gained prominence recently as a vital communications tool for federal whistleblowers sharing details regarding DOGE-related activities with media outlets.

In addition to the inability to post Signal.me links, users are also cautioned against clicking existing Signal.me links that were shared before the imposition of restrictions. Users attempting to add Signal.me links to their profile bios are met with a failure message claiming the update is prevented because the new description is “considered malware.”

This situation is not unprecedented; X has previously restricted links to other platforms. In 2022, links to Facebook, Instagram, and Mastodon faced temporary blocks as part of an effort by Elon Musk to eliminate “relentless advertising of competitors for free.” Furthermore, in 2023, links to Substack were throttled following the platform’s introduction of its Twitter-like “Notes” feature.

However, it’s crucial to note that Signal does not operate as a direct rival to X, making this particular restriction intriguing. As of now, Signal user handles can still be shared on X, providing a potential workaround where users can copy and paste these handles into the Signal app for communication purposes.

We have reached out to X for clarification regarding the intentionality behind blocking Signal links and will provide updates should further information become available.

Source
www.theverge.com