Facebook Removes Boxes from User Profiles and Boxes Tab

A posted status commented on flags being removed from profiles on Facebook. A review of my own profile page showed that not only was my flag removed, the other boxes I had on my profile page (citizenship test results and POW/MIA flag) were also removed. The profile page is not the only portion of a user's profile that was hit-the boxes tab has been affected, with everything removed except those features created by Facebook, such as Notes.

A quick cruise through the help center showed this question "Where did the application links under my profile picture go?" The answer is that they "no longer support the addition of profile links underneath one's profile picture", which really doesn't answer the question.

Checking various places in the help center did not answer where the profile boxes went, though a discussion among Facebook users revealed that others have suffered the same fate and have the same question. Attempts by users to put the boxes back on their profile have failed.

As would be expected, a Facebook group popped up for people who want their profile boxes back. Its called We want our "Boxes" back on the "Boxes Tab" where they belong!!. However, this does not address the issue of the boxes missing from the profile page, too.

The Facebook blog offers no insight as to why the boxes were removed or any warning that it was coming. There is a 'Last Call for Facebook Gifts' dated July 8^th, though.

A report on 'The unofficial Facebook Resource', All Facebook, explains that app developers were warned in advance, but users were not. Apparently, at least for now, the only place users will have applications appearing on their profiles is as a tab.

Any updates to this story will be posted here as they develop.

UPDATE: As of approximately 11 a.m. mst Facebook users were reporting a return of app boxes to profiles and boxes tabs. On my own profile, all boxes were returned.

References:

Facebook Help Center. http://www.facebook.com/help/?section=community#!/help/?search=where%20did%20profile%20boxes%20go

Facebook Help Center Question Thread. http://www.facebook.com/help/?section=community#!/help/?question=638702

We want our "Boxes" back on the "Boxes Tab" where they belong!! Facebook Group. http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=115923058456035&ref=mf

Official Facebook Blog. http://blog.facebook.com/

Yes, Your Facebook Profile Boxes Are Gone. All Facebook. July 13, 2010. http://www.allfacebook.com/2010/07/yes-your-facebook-profile-boxes-are-gone/