Overview
- Effective February 10, 2026, the external buttons embedded on websites will cease to work and render as invisible 0x0 elements.
- Meta says no developer action is required and site functionality should not be affected, though site owners may remove the code in advance.
- Introduced in 2013, the widgets once helped drive traffic and signal popularity but have declined in use as the web has evolved.
- The removal targets third‑party site integrations and reflects Meta’s focus on tools aligned with its broader multi‑product ecosystem.
- Industry reporting notes the shift favors internal engagement metrics and responds to longstanding privacy concerns about off‑site tracking.