Elon Musk’s X (previously Twitter) is obstructing hyperlinks to Sign.me, a URL shortener utilized by the non-public messaging app Sign that enables customers to ship out a hyperlink that’s used to contact them instantly by way of the service. The blocks, which impression direct messages, public posts, and profile pages, had been first noticed by the weblog Disruptionist. 

The change comes as DOGE (the Division of Authorities Effectivity) takes intention at federal businesses, together with NASA and the Division of Schooling, leaving employees turning to Sign’s encrypted messaging platform to securely share info and blow the whistle on doubtlessly dangerous exercise. 

Nearly 10,000 federal workers have been fired throughout the federal government as Musk’s DOGE works to slash federal spending and shut down complete businesses, like USAID.

TechCrunch has tried to share a hyperlink through publish and DM. When attempting to share through a publish, a message pops up that claims: “One thing went flawed, however don’t fret – let’s give it one other shot.”

Any message with a hyperlink to Sign.me additionally fails to ship, and a pop-up seems that claims, “This request appears to be like prefer it may be automated. To guard our customers from spam and different malicious exercise, we will’t full this motion proper now. Please strive once more later.”

TechCrunch reached out to X for remark. 

Musk is a self-described free-speech advocate, however he frequently attacks publications and individuals who’ve spoken out in opposition to his actions. He has additionally been accused of blocking accounts on X of people that have disagreed with him.