Social network X is blocking links to shared contact details on encrypted messaging app Signal. Links to signal.me are blocked even in direct messages …
The issue was first spotted by security researchers at Mysk, with Disruptionist’s Matt Binder able to confirm the methods being used.
X, formerly Twitter, is blocking users from posting a “Signal.me” link through DM, public post, or even in their profile page. When trying to post a Signal link, users receive a variety of different “message failed” prompts depending on what version of the X platform they use (i.e. X for web, X for iPhone, etc.)
Error messages include claiming the link is “potentially harmful,” might be spam, or even “is considered malware.”
Other Signal links are not blocked – only the signal.me domain which is used specifically to invite someone to send you an encrypted message.
The site notes that Signal is commonly used by journalists, including acting as a safe communications channel for whistleblowers. It suggests the move is likely a deliberate one by X owner Elon Musk.
Signal has been an important tool for journalists over the years as really one of the few services that are truly private. All messages are end-to-end encrypted, everything is stored on device, and no content is kept on any Signal servers in the cloud. If a source wants to reach out to a reporter and be sure their communication would be as confidential as possible, Signal is usually one of the primary methods of choice.
Needless to say, Signal has been especially important over these past few weeks as federal employees have reached out to journalists to blow the whistle on what Elon Musk’s DOGE have been doing with access to data within numerous government agencies.
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