The social media platform previously known as Twitter has officially transitioned to using X.com for all its primary systems. This shift means that entering twitter.com in your browser should now redirect you to Elon Musk’s preferred domain, X.com. However, the redirection results may vary depending on the browser you are using and whether you are logged in or not.
A notification at the bottom of the X login page now informs users about the URL change, reassuring them that their privacy and data protection settings will remain unaffected by this transition.
The domain switch is one of the more awkward elements of Elon Musk’s rebranding of the company. Despite many parts of X having adopted the new branding some time ago—including the official account, mobile apps, and the “X Premium” subscription service, formerly known as Twitter Blue—the platform’s URLs have continued to use twitter.com since Musk officially started the rebranding to X.
The URL changes began in August of the previous year when some Verge staff members noticed they could copy x.com links from the share sheet within the X iOS app. This awkward transition period has unfortunately been a boon for phishing attacks, as noted by cybersecurity expert Brian Krebs last month.
Musk’s connection to the x.com URL dates back to 1999, when he launched a business under the same name. This company eventually merged with another that became PayPal. In the current era, Musk envisions X as evolving into a multi-functional “everything app” similar to China’s WeChat, which combines social networking, messaging, and financial services.
The transition has not been without its hiccups. Users and employees alike have experienced a mixed bag of outcomes when trying to access the new domain. While some users seamlessly redirect to X.com, others still encounter twitter.com depending on their browser or login status.
Despite these transitional challenges, the overall vision for X remains ambitious. Musk’s goal is for X to transcend its social media origins, integrating various services to create a comprehensive digital ecosystem. This would involve expanding its functionalities beyond social networking to potentially include payment services, shopping, and more, mirroring the success of WeChat in China.
The shift to X.com marks a significant chapter in the platform’s evolution, underscoring Musk’s broader ambitions for the company. The rebranding efforts have involved substantial changes, from altering the official account names and mobile app branding to renaming subscription services. However, the URL change represents a critical step in unifying the brand under the X identity.
While the transition has been cumbersome, it is a pivotal move towards Musk’s vision of a unified, all-encompassing digital platform. The potential for X to transform into an “everything app” is vast, with plans to incorporate a wide range of services and functionalities. This holistic approach aims to offer users a seamless and integrated digital experience.
Nevertheless, the rebranding process serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in such a significant transformation. The partial and inconsistent redirection of URLs has highlighted vulnerabilities, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity. Phishing attacks have become a notable concern, exploiting the confusion and inconsistency during the transition period.
Moving forward, the success of X will depend on its ability to overcome these initial challenges and fully integrate its systems under the new branding. As users adapt to the changes and the platform stabilizes its infrastructure, X has the potential to redefine its role in the digital landscape. The ultimate goal is to create a versatile, all-in-one platform that meets a broad spectrum of user needs, from social networking to financial transactions.
In conclusion, the rebranding from Twitter to X.com is a significant move that aligns with Elon Musk’s vision of creating a multifaceted digital ecosystem. Despite the initial transitional challenges and the ongoing risk of phishing attacks, the shift represents a forward-looking strategy to diversify and enhance the platform’s capabilities. As X continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how it reshapes the digital experience for its users, aiming to become a comprehensive “everything app” for the modern age.
