Twitter's rebranding sparks security alert in Microsoft Edge, but no need to panic

Last week, Elon Musk-owned Twitter underwent a rebranding, replacing its beloved bird logo with a Unicode character resembling the letter X. The changes have already appeared on Twitter's mobile apps for both Android and iPhone, as well as its web client. This transformation is believed to be a step towards turning Twitter into a "super app" similar to China's WeChat, with potential support for payments, instant messaging, and calls.

Despite the exciting changes, some Microsoft Edge users received a security warning about the rebranding. The browser prompted users to "review icon update" and displayed a message urging them to "uninstall" the app if it seemed to be trying to deceive them. However, this warning turns out to be a false alarm caused by a security feature called 'Progressive Web App Icon change'. This feature is designed to alert users about app icon or name changes, which could indicate a possible scam.

To better understand the situation, let's dive into Progressive Web Apps (PWAs). PWAs offer users an experience that closely resembles native apps on compatible devices. These apps can adapt to the capabilities of each device and run in web browsers like regular websites. Once installed on a device, PWAs function just like any other app, with their own app icons and the ability to be added to the home screen or taskbar. Moreover, they can be set to launch automatically upon signing in and can even be listed on platforms like Microsoft Store.


PWAs also come equipped with a built-in security feature available in Chromium-based browsers such as Edge and Google Chrome. This security mechanism is intended to protect users from potential scams. In 2021, both Chrome and Edge introduced a safety alert that triggers whenever a PWA undergoes changes to its original icon or name. This feature was previously an optional setting that required manual activation through flags, but it now comes integrated with the latest browser versions.

In light of this explanation, there's no cause for concern if you receive a warning regarding the X app on Microsoft Edge or any other browser. The security alert is merely a precautionary measure to safeguard users from possible malicious activities. So, you can continue to enjoy the newly rebranded Twitter experience without worries.