According to a report by Bleeping Computer, Microsoft Edge is warning some users that the rebranding can be a potential security issue. As per the report, Microsoft Edge is prompting users to “review icon update.” After the Twitter app branding was changed, the browser started showing users a message which read: “If this web app is trying to trick you into thinking it’s a different app, uninstall it.”
However, there’s nothing to worry about as it seems to be a false alarm. Microsoft Edge is showing this warning due to a security feature called ‘Progressive Web App Icon change’. This feature is designed to alert users of app icon or name changes, possibly indicating a scam.
What are Progressive Web Apps
Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) enable websites to offer users an experience that mimics native apps on supported devices. Microsoft explains: “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.”
PWAs can have their own app icons and be added to a device’s home screen or taskbar. These apps can also launch automatically when a relevant file type is opened, can be set to run upon sign in, and can be listed on Microsoft Store. PWAs come with a built-in security feature, which is available in Chromium-based browsers, like Edge and Google Chrome. This feature is designed to keep users safe from potential scams.
In 2021, both Chrome and Edge added a safety alert that triggers whenever a PWA changes its original icon or name. Earlier, this feature had to be manually enabled using flags, but the latest versions of the browsers come integrated with this security feature. So, if you get a warning regarding X on any of the browsers, there’s no need to panic.