Facebook pages group people based on likes

Facebook on Monday began rolling out "community pages" that group users based on what they like and create potentially tempting targets for advertisers.

Facebook is creating web pages devoted to topics such as music, cooking or yoga based on interests indicated by members of the world's leading online social networking service.

Facebook users that become fans of topics will "communally own" the respective web pages, with lists of backers public information, Facebook software engineer Alex Li explained in a blog post.

"Community Pages are a new type of Facebook Page dedicated to a topic or experience that is owned collectively by the community connected to it," Li said.

"Just like official Pages for businesses, organizations and public figures, Community Pages let you connect with others who share similar interests and experiences."

Community pages will be forums for sharing thoughts, expertise or insights regarding topics, according to Facebook.

Pages will start with information from communally crafted online reference work Wikipedia but Facebook plans to eventually enlist people "passionate" about topics to contribute information.

"Profiles no longer are a static list of likes and interests," Li said. "Now, they are a living map of all the connections that matter to you."

Facebook recently replaced its "become a fan of" option with a "like" that members can click.

People's home towns and work will be among the topics getting "connections," according to Facebook.

The news came amid unconfirmed reports that Facebook is planning to let members indicate "likes" anywhere on the Internet and link those interests to their profiles at the social networking service.

Pooling members in groups based on what they like could give Facebook a chance to cash in on advertising that targets people's interests.