X Takes Action: Signal Contact Links Blocked and Labeled Malicious – What You Need to Know!

The social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, is now preventing users from posting links to “Signal.me.” This link is used by the Signal encrypted messaging app to share account information securely.

Tests from BleepingComputer and feedback from users show that whenever someone tries to post a Signal.me link—whether in public posts, direct messages, or bios—they receive an error message. This message warns of potential spam or malware risks.

One error message reads, “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. Please try again later.”

Our tests confirm that only messages containing the exact URL “signal.me” are affected.

Journalist Matt Binder, who reported this issue, noted that it’s unclear when exactly X started blocking these links. He mentioned that this appears to be a recent change since users could previously share Signal.me links without any problems. Other links related to Signal, like Signal.org, are still operational.

Interestingly, other Signal-related URLs, such as Signal.link and Signal.group, are not being blocked. Links to other messaging services, like Telegram, can still be shared without issue.

Links that were posted before the block remain active, but users are warned that these links might be unsafe.

Reasons unknown

Signal.me links allow users to share their contact info easily without needing to exchange phone numbers. This feature promotes private and secure communication.

Researcher Tommy Mysk, one of the first to notice the blocking issue, was surprised by the discovery and said he couldn’t speculate on the reasons behind it. He noted that it resembles the past behavior of blocking links to other platforms like Mastodon.

In 2023, after Elon Musk acquired Twitter, the platform started blocking links to competitors, including Facebook and Instagram. Some of these restrictions were later lifted due to user backlash.

Musk has faced criticism over the access his department has to data from various US agencies and how the Signal app is reportedly used by federal workers to report issues. There’s speculation that the block on Signal.me links might have political motivations, but X has not provided any official statements or responses regarding this situation.

BleepingComputer has reached out to Signal for further comments and will provide updates as they are received.