Facebook Data Sources may get disconnected in Databox with the error message ‘We cannot make Facebook API calls on your behalf, since you’ve changed password or Facebook has revoked permissions for security reasons. Please re-authorise your Facebook account.’, even if the password has not been changed on the Facebook account.

This is a result of how Facebook is handling potential security issues, for example, if users from different geolocations log into the same account or if different devices are used to access the account. In such cases, Facebook may invalidate access token before it officially expires. References from Facebook forums where users discussed such behavior:

This is expected behaviour deriving from Facebook’s security measures. Databox is not able to assist in such scenarios, but here are some steps that can be taken:

  • Ensure that all devices and browsers used to access the given Facebook account are marked as trustworthy within the login procedure. This involves going into the account settings, specifically the Security and Login section on Facebook, and reviewing the list of recognised devices and browsers. Any unrecognized or suspicious devices should be removed or flagged. Enable two-factor authentication for an added layer of security, which will help prevent any unauthorized access.
  • Consider creating separate Facebook accounts for each geolocation, particularly if logins are made from users in distant locations. This can help mitigate issues arising from Facebook’s geolocation-based restrictions.
  • Contact Facebook Support to discuss your specific use case. Facebook may be able to provide tailored recommendations or suggest better practices for the situation.

Steps you can take within Databox if your Facebook Data Source gets disconnected with the error message ‘We cannot make Facebook API calls on your behalf, since you’ve changed password or Facebook has revoked permissions for security reasons. Please re-authorise your Facebook account.’:

  • Try having another Facebook user (not the one that originally connected the Data Source) re-connect the Data Source in Databox.
  • If you do not mind losing historical data for the Facebook Data Source, create a brand new connection with the Facebook Data Source in Databox rather than re-connecting the existing connection. Keep in mind that with this step you will lose all historical data for the Data Source.

These steps might be effective in some cases.