The loss of this feature is the result of a Facebook policy shift that will affect billions of users.

Users on social media have reported that FACEBOOK intends to remove the code generator from its app.

An intriguing notification may have appeared on your device if you recently logged into the Facebook app.

The Facebook code generator is “going away soon,” the message says.

“Make sure that you have another two-factor authentication method so that you do not lose access to your account,” the message advised.

WHAT IS TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION?

Two-factor authentication, also known as 2FA, is widely used by smartphone owners to keep their accounts safe.

Two-factor authentication (2FA) strengthens account security by necessitating two methods of verification (2FA) in tandem with each other.

However, hackers may still be able to access your SMS even with this added layer of protection.

Many popular apps, including those from Google, Apple, and Facebook, have their own 2FA systems built right in.

Now, Facebook appears to be turning off the ability to generate codes for its two-factor authentication services, potentially making users more susceptible to hacking.

The change comes after Twitter announced last month that it would stop allowing two-factor authentication (2FA) via text message for everyone except Twitter Blue subscribers.

Twitter executives defended their stance, saying that SMS-based 2FA is insecure.

Bad actors “have been seen to use and abuse” phone number-based 2FA, they said.

This was not the consensus of the cybersecurity community or regular internet users.

Users of Facebook, in particular, have taken to social media to vent their ire over the company’s latest policy shift.

It was the only reason I still had the app on my phone. One user commented, “Good, they gave me a reason to remove it.”

Another Twitter user questioned, “This is a dumb question, but um, why did everyone force us into 2FA and then shut down their support of 2FA?”

Several others have also complained that they have been locked out of their accounts and are unable to regain access.

Users can counteract this by enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) with either Google or Apple, depending on their preferences and device.

ENABLE APPLE’S AUTHENTICATOR

Go to your iPhone’s Settings menu and then tap Passwords to activate Apple’s built-in authenticator.

Access your accounts’ passwords with Face or Touch ID, and then select the account for which you’d like to enable two-factor authentication.

It’s important to remember that not all apps and websites support this particular form of two-factor authentication.

Next, select the Verification Code tab. Two options, “Enter Setup Key” and “Scan QR Code,” will appear on the screen.

Select the app’s or website’s page, and then select and copy the Setup key displayed there.

SET UP GOOGLE AUTHENTICATOR

Downloading Google Authenticator from the App Store or Google Play is all it takes to get started.

Access the Security settings by navigating to your Google Account > at the top > on your mobile device.

The 2-Step Verification option can be found in the Google Sign-In menu. Authentication might be required.

Select Set up under the Authenticator app and then continue with the on-screen prompts.

U.S. Sun attempts to contact Facebook for comment were unsuccessful as of print.