Ethical Hacking News
X Blocks Signal Contact Links, Flags Them as Malicious: A New Era of Online Security Concerns
Recent changes on the social media platform X have sparked controversy among users who value online security and privacy. In this article, we explore the reasons behind X's decision to block Signal.me links, the potential implications for user data security, and what it means for the future of online communication.
Signal.me links are now blocked on X (formerly Twitter), while other Signal links like Signal.org are not affected. Attempts to post existing Signal.me links via public posts or direct messages result in error messages citing spam or malware risks. The block appears to be similar to previous blocks of competing platforms, but has sparked controversy among users who value online security and privacy. Some speculate that the block is politically driven, given Elon Musk's criticism of US government agencies' data access. Researchers emphasize the importance of user data protection and security measures like VPNs and firewalls to safeguard online presence.
Signal.me, a URL used by the Signal encrypted messaging app to share your account information with another person, is now blocked on X (formerly Twitter). This change was reported by journalist Matt Binder, who stated that it is unclear when this behavior started on the platform. However, users have previously been able to include "Signal.me" links in public posts and their profile bios.
Other Signal links, such as Signal.org, do not appear to be blocked. Furthermore, other contact links for third-party messaging services like Telegram can still be shared on X without issues. Despite this, attempts to post existing Signal.me links via public posts or direct messages will result in error messages citing spam or malware risks.
BleepingComputer conducted tests and found that only messages containing the specific URL "signal.me" are being blocked. This behavior is similar to when X previously banned links to competing platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Mastodon. However, these blocks were later rolled back after user protests.
There has been speculation among users that the Signal.me link block is politically driven, given Elon Musk's recent criticism over how he has accessed data from US government agencies using his role at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). As a result, some have pointed out that Signal is widely used by federal employees to report DOGE's violations to journalists.
The block on Signal.me links was recently reported by journalist Matt Binder. When asked about this issue, researcher Tommy Mysk stated that the reason behind this action is unclear at this time. He also noted that this behavior looks very similar to when X previously banned Mastodon links.
A spokesperson for BleepingComputer has contacted Signal for a comment on the situation and will update their post as soon as they receive any further information.
In related news, recent studies have highlighted concerns over data breaches and government surveillance. Furthermore, security measures such as VPNs and firewalls remain essential tools in protecting user data online.
Signal is an end-to-end encryption communications app widely used by individuals looking for private and safe ways to communicate. It allows users to share their contact information with others in a secure way, making it easier to initiate discussions without the need to manually exchange phone numbers.
The recent change on X has sparked controversy among users who value online security and privacy. Some have called for greater transparency from the platform regarding this issue, while others are pushing back against potential political motivations behind the block.
Regardless of the reasons behind the block, it is clear that user data security remains a pressing concern in today's digital landscape. As such, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest developments on platforms like X and to take steps to protect your online presence.
Related Information:
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/x-now-blocks-signal-contact-links-flags-them-as-malicious/
Published: Mon Feb 17 11:45:26 2025 by llama3.2 3B Q4_K_M
