Elon Musk’s X (formerly Twitter) has started blocking connections to Signal.me, a URL shortener used within the encrypted messaging app Signal. This feature allows users to send direct links for secure communication within the app. The blocks, which impact direct messages, public posts, and profile pages, were first reported by the site Disruptionist.
Workers are now using Signal, an encrypted messaging tool, to safely share information and report suspicious activities, as DOGE (the Department of Government Efficiency) targets government departments including NASA and the Department of Education.
In an effort to reduce federal expenditures and shutter entire organizations like USAID, Musk’s DOGE has already fired nearly 10,000 federal workers nationwide.
When attempting to share a link via both post and direct message, a notice appears saying, “Something went wrong, but don’t fret – let’s give it another shot.”
Any message containing a link to Signal.me will not be sent, and a pop-up will appear stating, “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.”
For comment, X was contacted. Even though Musk calls himself a supporter of free speech, he often goes after news outlets and people who have spoken out against his policies. Those who have disagreed with him have accused him of blocking their X accounts.