Looks like it's one step closer to the newsgroup graveyard..... This is on the header when I look at the NG now...
As of 07/01/2011, Groups profiles have been disabled. Your profile information will be available for export from your profile until
11/01/2011. This change will not affect the nicknames you might have chosen for yourself to participate in groups. It will only affect the custom profiles fields, such as your photo, location, and occupation. More details are available here.