Meta is joining other social media companies, like Reddit, in removing third-party access to its platform as part of the latest update on its API policies.
The API v19.0 policy, which was published last January, detailed that the platform will remove API access to Facebook Groups within 90 days, or by April 23 since announcement publication.
Meta did not provide further information as to why it is deprecating the feature but said that "we're rolling out another change" that will enable groups to not need APIs anymore.
According to Meta, the third-party extension was mainly used by developers to privately reply in Facebook Groups.
It is worth noting that Facebook is not removing the private reply function on its platform.
Also Read: Reddit to Start Charging Big Companies for API Access Due to AI Training Issues
Developers Not Happy with Facebook Group Changes
Despite Meta's promises to provide a better replacement to the API function on Facebook Groups, many affected developers are far from glad about the solution the company is offering, TechCrunch reported.
Several developers have raised issues that the changes in the platform will have a "noticeable impact" on businesses, particularly those involved in account management and social sellers.
The API has long been part of many social media businesses on Facebook to help automate information dissemination as well as marketing campaigns.
Meta has yet to provide a clear definition of what the replacement to the extension will be but said the changes will not affect "most" Private Replies developers.
Related Article: Meta Upends Facebook-Dependent Publications After Major Change
Third-Party APIs, Extensions Face More Challenges in 2024
APIs and third-party extensions have been suffering from limited platform reach since 2023 as more websites discontinue support for the function.
In addition to Reddit, Google Chrome has enforced new changes to its browser engine that will make it harder for extensions to operate, primarily those offering ad-remover features.
Many platforms have started offering their own extensions and functions similar to the removed third-parties', albeit with a subscription price in comparison to the free feature in previous extensions.
