X Blocks Signal.me Links Citing Security Concerns

X (formerly Twitter) has begun blocking links to Signal.me, a domain used by the encrypted messaging platform Signal to facilitate direct user contact.

The restriction applies to public posts, direct messages, and even user bios, triggering various error messages when users attempt to share a Signal.me link. Existing links now display a warning page labeling them as “potentially unsafe.”

Security researchers at Mysk first noticed the issue on February 16, 2025, when they attempted to share a Signal.me link via X and encountered an error. Users quickly confirmed that the restriction extended across the platform, affecting all versions of X, including the web and mobile apps.

When users try to share a Signal.me link, they receive different error messages, such as:

• “This request looks like it might be automated.”
• “We can't complete this request because this link has been identified by X or our partners as being potentially harmful.”
• “Something went wrong, but don't fret — let's give it another shot.”

Adding a Signal.me link to a profile bio results in a failure message stating the description is “considered malware.” Even links posted before the ban are now met with an interstitial warning page suggesting they may be spam or unsafe. However, users can still choose to proceed to the original link.

Notably, X's block appears to be limited to Signal.me links only. Other Signal-related domains, such as Signal.org, Signal.link, and Signal.group remain unaffected. Similarly, contact links for other messaging apps, including Telegram, are still allowed on the platform.

Signal's role in secure communications

Signal is a widely used encrypted messaging platform designed to prioritize privacy. Unlike many other messaging apps, Signal does not store user messages on its servers and employs end-to-end encryption by default. The platform is often used by journalists, activists, and whistleblowers who require a high level of confidentiality.

In recent weeks, Signal has reportedly become an important tool for government employees looking to share information with reporters regarding the activities of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). This context has fueled speculation that the block on Signal.me links may be linked to whistleblower activity, though no official explanation has been given by X.

X has previously imposed link restrictions on various third-party services. In December 2022, the platform briefly banned links to Instagram, Mastodon, and other rival platforms before reversing the decision within days. In April 2023, X blocked links to Substack after the publishing platform introduced a Twitter-like feature called “Notes.” These actions were framed as efforts to prevent “relentless advertising of competitors for free.”

Unlike past link bans, Signal is not a direct competitor to X, making the rationale behind this latest block unclear.

As of now, X has not provided an official explanation for blocking Signal.me links. The platform has yet to clarify whether this is a deliberate policy change or an automated filtering error.

Users seeking alternatives can still share their Signal usernames on X, which others can manually enter into the Signal app. However, the inability to share direct contact links makes secure communication less convenient and somewhat more exposing. If X does not reverse the ban, Signal users may need to rely on alternative methods, such as URL shorteners, to bypass the restriction.