Facebook's big announcement - it is going to remove the Like and Comment buttons from here..

In today's digital age, there's hardly anyone using Facebook who hasn't liked or commented on a post. Millions of users are active on the platform every day, but now Meta has made a decision that has caught everyone's attention. The news is that Facebook's Like and Comment buttons are about to be removed. However, the truth is a little different. In fact, starting February 10, 2026, these buttons will be removed not from the Facebook app or website, but from other websites where they were embedded. This means that you will no longer be able to like or comment on a post while sitting on a news website or blog.

The Like button was introduced in 2009, becoming an internet icon.
Facebook launched the Like button in 2009. At the time, it was seen as a small feature, but within a few years, it became a hallmark of social media. Meta has since integrated this button on external websites, news portals, and blogs, allowing people to like or comment on posts from there using their Facebook accounts. Gradually, this feature began appearing on millions of websites, making it an easy way for users to measure a post's popularity. The Like button also became an essential tool for brands and media houses, helping them understand the reach of their content and audience preferences.

What's the big change coming now?
Meta has now decided to discontinue this feature. After February 10, 2026, Facebook's Like or Comment button will no longer be visible on any external website. This doesn't mean the Like button will disappear from Facebook, but rather, it will now be limited to the Facebook app and website. If you're reading an article on a news website and see Facebook's little blue thumb, it will disappear in the coming days. This means users will now have to go directly to Facebook to comment on content.

Why Meta Made This Decision
Meta has cited two major reasons for this change: technical updates and privacy policy. The company has stated that these embedded Facebook plugins are outdated and are now being used less frequently. In the past, people would visit news websites and like posts from there, but now most interactions happen directly within the Facebook app. Furthermore, as privacy regulations on the internet have become stricter, the data tracking system of these old buttons is no longer as effective. Meta now plans to phase out the old tools and implement a new, simpler, and privacy-friendly system.

What will the impact be on users and websites?
This change will not harm users. The Like and Comment features on the Facebook app and website will remain the same. The only difference is that you will no longer be able to Like by clicking the Facebook button while on a news site or blog. Website owners, however, have no cause for concern. Meta has clearly stated that developers do not need to make any immediate technical changes. Websites will continue to function normally; simply removing the old code will make the site a little cleaner and faster.

What is Meta's goal?
Meta now wants to update Facebook to meet the needs of the modern age. The company's focus is now shifting beyond social connections to AI, virtual reality, and privacy-driven tools. Older features, such as plugins from external sites, no longer fit the company's strategy. Furthermore, with the growing mobile user base, Facebook now wants to maintain user interaction entirely within its platform. This move by Meta demonstrates its commitment to making every feature modern, fast, and secure.

Is this the end of the Like Era?
Many may think the removal of the Like button marks the end of an era for Facebook. But the reality is that the company is only removing it from external websites, not the Facebook platform itself. The Like and Comment features will remain as before in the Facebook app, groups, and posts. This change marks the end of the era when Facebook's blue thumb was visible on every website on the internet. Meta is now ushering in a phase where Facebook will operate as an all-in-one platform, reducing its dependence on external sites.

Meta's Advice for Developers
Meta has stated that websites still using outdated Facebook plugin codes should gradually phase them out. This will not only make websites run faster but also improve page load times. The company says developers need not worry, as this change will happen automatically. If websites wish, they can use the new API-based sharing tools that Meta will introduce in the coming months.

Conclusion
Facebook's decision marks a turning point in social media history. The Like and Comment buttons defined social media interaction, but Meta now wants to move beyond that era. Starting February 10, 2026, these buttons will be removed from external websites, but the feature will remain within Facebook. The company's goal is to make its platform cleaner, secure, and modern.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Zee Business. 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.