The rapid transformation of Twitter into X has instigated yet another complication. Bleeping Computer reports that this sudden change has caused Microsoft’s Edge browser to issue a security warning, suggesting some form of security concern.
This situation appears to be connected to the way Edge and other Chromium-based web browsers handle favicons (or to be precise, ‘Progressive Web App Icon Change’). Because of the abruptness of Twitter’s rebranding, it’s possible that Edge mistakes X for a scam. Consequently, users are prompted by a security alert to scrutinize the icon update. The message warns, “If this web app is trying to trick you into thinking it’s a different app, uninstall it.”
However, as Bleeping Computer emphasizes, the PWA function is performing as it should. It’s designed to warn users when a website abruptly alters its favicon, which could signal a redirection to a fraudulent site. It’s assumed this is a temporary issue that will soon be rectified. We’ve contacted Microsoft for their statement and will bring updates to this story as we receive them.
Florian / X
This incident resembles a previous event this week, where X faced a blockade in Indonesia due to laws that ban gambling or pornography. The previous owners of the X.com domain had violated the nation’s content regulations.
These instances illustrate how abrupt the transition from Twitter to X was. Other businesses, like Meta and Microsoft, already have legal rights to variants of X, potentially setting the stage for legal disputes involving Musk’s firm. X even faced problems when it attempted to modify its signage at its San Francisco headquarters, lacking the necessary permits. The firm had to forgo its planned makeover, retaining the old bird logo and the letters “er” for a short time.
This sudden rebranding forms part of a larger strategy to evolve Twitter into a “super app,” akin to China’s successful WeChat. The platform could potentially be utilized for payments, messaging, and calls in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Twitter’s rebrand to X
Why did Twitter’s rebrand to X cause security alerts on Microsoft Edge?
The security alerts were triggered because Edge and other Chromium-based web browsers have security measures in place to detect sudden changes in website favicons, which could indicate a potential scam. Due to Twitter’s abrupt rebrand to X, the browser likely misinterpreted it as a scam, thereby triggering a security alert.
Is the security alert due to Twitter’s rebrand to X a major concern?
While the security alert does require user attention, it is a protective measure functioning as intended. It is likely a temporary issue that arose due to the suddenness of the rebrand and should be resolved soon.
Were there other issues related to Twitter’s rebrand to X?
Yes, the rebranding faced multiple complications. The new entity, X, was blocked in Indonesia due to previous violations by the X.com domain’s past owners. Additionally, potential legal disputes could arise as other companies like Meta and Microsoft own variations of the ‘X’ trademark. X also encountered issues when trying to change its signage without the required permits at its San Francisco headquarters.
What is the larger plan behind Twitter’s rebrand to X?
The rebranding is part of a larger strategy to transform Twitter into a “super app,” similar to China’s WeChat. The platform could potentially be used for payments, messaging, and calls in the future.
More about Twitter’s rebrand to X
- Twitter’s rebranding and security alert
- Information on Progressive Web App Icon Change
- Trademark laws and issues
- Details on Indonesia’s content laws
- Understanding Super Apps like WeChat
5 comments
Man, tech can be so confusing sometimes. Twitter is now X and all these scam alerts start popping up? Whose idea was this rebranding, anyway? I miss the good ol’ days, simpler times…
Gosh, what a headache this must be for users. We all need our social media to stay connected, especially in these times, but when things like this happen it’s so off putting :/
I guess it just goes to show, any change in the digital world, especially major ones, can trigger unintended consequences. I mean, Edge’s favicon security is basically just doing its job, right?
I still cant get used to twitter being called X, I mean what’s wrong with just being twitter! Now my browser thinks its a scam site, lol. what’s next? Rebranding Facebook to Y?
sounds like Twitter really jumped the gun on this one. if they’d just taken their time, maybe they wouldn’t be in such a mess now. also, they’re trying to be like WeChat now? can’t everyone just stick to what they’re good at…