On April 23, 2024, Facebook (Meta) API performed a change that affects all users displaying group posts through a connected Facebook Groups source in the Custom Facebook Feed plugins. This change affects both Free and Pro users:
- Meta has decided to deprecate the Group API endpoint, meaning that it will no longer be possible to retrieve any content from a Facebook Group after April 23, 2024.
For details on this change please see the Meta News for Develops post here. Unfortunately the decision came from Meta and as we use Meta’s services to collect posts, our plugin will no longer be able to support displaying group posts in a feed.
This post will be updated with details or other changes to the API or plugin.
Why have these changes been made?
Meta did not specify why these changes were made. Many API changes are focused on creating a safer service in terms of data protection. In a previous change, this was due to Meta ensuring compatibility with data protection laws such as the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
How do these changes affect existing users?
If you are using the Custom Facebook Feed plugin to display content from a Facebook Group then after this date no more content will be retrieved from Facebook. From this point on, cached posts will display for a remainder of 14 days before they are deleted as per Meta Data Protection guidelines that we must follow.
How do they affect new users?
New users will not be able to set up new Group feeds. If you recently purchased the Custom Facebook Feed Pro plugin, please reach out to our customer service where we can provide a refund within 30 days of purchase, or assist you in another way if you purchased the plugin over 30 days ago. For more information please see our Terms & Conditions.
What is Smash Balloon doing to help users with this?
The Smash Balloon team has investigated different possibilities since the initial announcement and we have concluded that there is no workaround available to keep Group Feeds active after this change. The Custom Facebook Feed plugin will no longer be able to display group feeds unless Meta adds similar or new API features related to groups. As such, our customer service team is happy to assist with any questions related to your plugin usage or purchase. We would also like to thank all of our users who have used the Facebook Group feeds in our plugin over the years.
