X (formerly Twitter) users were recently restricted from sharing Signal.me links, a URL tied to the popular encrypted messaging app Signal. The block, reported by Disruptionist and confirmed by Engadget, lasted for two days before being lifted. Signal allows users to securely communicate, offering an avenue for people, including federal employees, to privately report sensitive or hazardous information.
Signal Links Flagged for Spam by X
During the block, X users attempting to post Signal.me links—whether in direct messages, public posts, or profile pages—received various error messages. These included warnings such as, “This request looks like it might be automated. To protect our users from spam and other malicious activity, we can’t complete this action right now.” Other users saw notifications like, “We can’t complete this request because this link has been identified by X or our partners as being potentially harmful.” Engadget was able to confirm this issue through testing.
Elon Musk’s Ongoing Conflict with Federal Workers
The brief suspension of Signal.me links occurred amidst growing tensions between Elon Musk and federal organizations. Through his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk has made it clear that he believes certain government workers are overstepping their roles. Federal employees, particularly those within sensitive departments, have long used Signal to share covert information or report concerns—likely contributing to the platform’s decision to flag the app’s URL.
Link Warning Message Remains for Some
Users who tried clicking existing Signal.me links on the platform saw a safety warning pop up: “Warning: this link may be unsafe. The link you are trying to access has been identified by X or our partners as being potentially spammy or unsafe, in accordance with X’s URL Policy.” Despite the warning, individuals could still proceed to the link at their discretion.
The situation points to ongoing struggles within big tech to balance security, user experience, and the flow of sensitive information.
For more details, read the full report on Engadget.