Users of X are currently facing challenges when attempting to post links to Signal.me, a platform used for secure messaging. Reports have surfaced regarding various failure notifications that occur when X users try to share Signal links. Some notifications incorrectly categorize these links as containing spam, harmful content, or malicious activity.
In one instance, a colleague encountered an error message that stated, “something went wrong, but don’t fret — let’s give it another shot.” This issue was first highlighted by Matt Binder, who observed that only Signal.me links seem to be affected. Links to the Signal.org domain remain accessible, and similar services like Telegram have not been blocked.
Signal is widely utilized by journalists for receiving confidential information due to its end-to-end encryption and on-device message storage. Its relevance has surged recently as a secure channel for federal whistleblowers reporting DOGE activity to the media.
In addition to being unable to share Signal.me links in public posts and direct messages, users are discouraged from clicking on existing links shared before the ban. Users attempting to add these links to their profile bios encounter an error indicating that the update failed because the new description is “considered malware.”
This isn’t the first instance of X attempting to limit the promotion of third-party services. In 2022, links to platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Mastodon were briefly blocked as Elon Musk aimed to curb “relentless advertising of competitors for free.” More recently, Substack links faced throttling and restrictions in 2023 after the rollout of X’s own Twitter-like “Notes” feature.
However, it’s important to note that Signal does not compete directly with X. We have reached out to X to determine if the blocking of Signal links is intentional and will provide updates if we receive a response. As of now, users can still share their Signal handles on X, which can be copied and pasted into the Signal app as a workaround.
