Facebook: Now Facebook's like and comment buttons will not be visible on external websites...

Launched in 2009, Facebook's Like button once became an internet icon. But now, Meta (Facebook's parent company) has announced that starting February 10, 2026, Facebook's Like and Comment buttons will no longer be visible on external websites.

What's Removing?
Facebook web plugins, such as "Like This Page" or "Comment with Facebook," that appeared on blogs, news sites, or shopping websites, will now be removed. These allowed users to like or comment directly on websites from their Facebook accounts. But this feature will now be discontinued.

The Facebook app will not be affected.
If you view posts, photos, or videos on the Facebook app or website itself, you will be able to like, comment, or react as before. This change will only apply to external websites, not within Facebook.

Why did Meta take this action?
Meta says this step is to simplify and modernize developers' tools. These plugins are more than 10 years old. Their use has now declined significantly. New privacy regulations, data sharing policies, and the growing influence of other social apps have reduced their need.

What will happen after February 2026?
Websites won't be affected. These buttons and comment boxes will simply disappear automatically. Developers don't need to take any immediate action, but it's better to remove the code later.

Is 'Like Button Culture' on the wane?
Like buttons were once the easiest way to measure popularity on the internet. Brands and news websites considered them a measure of success. But the internet has changed. People are fragmented across multiple apps, algorithms no longer rely on external websites, and privacy has become a top priority. Therefore, Meta is abandoning old features and focusing on innovations and privacy-focused technology.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Amar Ujala. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.