Elon Musk’s X, formerly known as Twitter, has begun blocking links to Signal.me, a URL shortener utilized by the private messaging app Signal. This move restricts users from sharing links that enable direct contact through the service. The blocks affect direct messages, public posts, and profile pages, and were initially reported by the blog Disruptionist.

This development coincides with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cracking down on federal agencies, including NASA and the Department of Education. As a result, employees are turning to Signal’s encrypted messaging platform to securely exchange information and report potentially hazardous activities.

Approximately 10,000 federal workers have been terminated across the government as DOGE, led by Musk, aims to reduce federal spending and dissolve entire agencies, such as USAID.

TechCrunch attempted to share a link via post and direct message. When trying to share through a post, a message appears stating: “Something went wrong, but don’t fret – let’s give it another shot.”

Any message containing a link to Signal.me fails to send, and a pop-up message appears, saying: “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.”

TechCrunch has reached out to X for comment.

Although Musk describes himself as a free-speech advocate, he frequently attacks publications and individuals who have spoken out against his actions. Moreover, he has been accused of blocking accounts on X belonging to individuals who have disagreed with him.