Microsoft Edge is displaying security alerts to users who are trying to access Twitter’s rebranded “X” website via the browser, as it is incorrectly flagging the microblogging platform as suspicious.
For those unaware, earlier this week, as part of a wider rebranding, Elon Musk-led Twitter rebranded to “X” and replaced the beloved Twitter logo and the iconic bird symbol with a white stylized “X” on a black outer space-themed background.
Apparently, the swift rebranding of Twitter to X is causing Chromium-based web browser Edge to think that “X” is a potential phishing threat.
The issue was first reported by Florian on Twitter (or X) this week, who is a Windows user and fan since the 90s, Windows Insider MVP 2021, and a Podcaster. He wrote, “HELP !!!”
The security alert displayed on the screen prompted the user to “review icon update” and reads, “If this web app is trying to trick you into thinking it’s a different app, uninstall it.”
HELP !!! pic.twitter.com/LmRS9sZrej
— Florian (@flobo09) July 28, 2023
The issue seems to be related to a built-in security feature dubbed as ‘Progressive Web App Icon Change’, which is integrated into newer versions of Edge and other Chromium-based web browsers. This feature is designed to alert users when a website suddenly changes its favicon (icon or name), possibly indicating a scam.
A progressive web app (PWA) is a website that looks and behaves as if it is a mobile app. PWAs are built to take advantage of native mobile device features and provide native-like experiences to your users on supporting devices.
“They adapt to the capabilities supported by each device and they can also run in web browsers, like websites. When installed on a device, PWAs function just like other apps,” explains Microsoft.
According to BleepingComputer, the original blue bird icon, which was replaced by a Unicode character that represents the letter X, bears a Mathematical meaning, which could be why the Edge browser is throwing up a warning.
This appears to be a temporary technical glitch, which should be resolved quickly by Microsoft. Keep watching this space for more updates, as this is a developing story!
