Meta is introducing a new paid option in the European Union to get rid of ads on Facebook and Instagram. This service costs around €9.99 per month if you use it on the web, or €12.99 per month if you use it on iOS or Android because there are extra costs on those platforms.
The reason they’re doing this is to meet the privacy rules of the European Union. The EU has been worried about how Meta uses ads and collects data from users.
Meta’s idea is to give people a choice: either pay for the service to avoid targeted ads, or use it for free but agree to let Meta collect your data. They hope this will help them follow the privacy laws in Europe, including the Digital Markets Act and GDPR.
Meta’s New Subscription Option and Rules in Europe
Meta, in a blog post, says they respect and will follow the changing rules in Europe. They’re introducing a new subscription, but they’ll still offer their products for free to those who don’t want to pay. People who don’t pay won’t notice any changes in their experience, and they can still use the tools to control ads.
This ad-free subscription is only for people who are 18 or older in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland. At first, it covers all connected Facebook and Instagram accounts, but Meta will charge extra for linked accounts in the future.
Starting from March 1st, 2024, there will be an added fee of €6 on the web or €8 on iOS and Android for each linked account. As long as someone stays subscribed, Meta won’t use their data for targeted ads.
Meta’s Commitment to Ad-Supported Services
Meta’s announcement clearly shows that their main focus is on their ad-supported business, which is the foundation of their platforms. They will introduce this service only in regions with strong data protection rules, and even then, it will be an optional choice.
In their blog post, the company stated their belief in an internet supported by ads and presents the new subscription primarily as a response to European regulations.
Nevertheless, many people have been requesting this product. Facebook’s products follow your online activities and use that information to show you targeted ads. Now, we will see how many people are genuinely willing to pay to avoid this tracking and the constant stream of ads in their Instagram feed.
Conclusion
In response to European privacy regulations, Meta is introducing a paid subscription option for Facebook and Instagram to remove ads, priced at €9.99 per month on the web and €12.99 on mobile platforms. This move aligns with their commitment to ad-supported services but provides an opt-out for users concerned about data collection. Meta aims to balance privacy and advertising while responding to user demands for an ad-free experience.
