Meta Platforms, the big company that owns Facebook and Instagram, is thinking about offering a plan where users in Europe can pay around $14 each month to use Facebook and Instagram without seeing any ads. This means you can choose to pay and not see ads, or you can keep using the free versions with ads. They're doing this because they're dealing with rules and fines from the government about how they use people's data. We'll see what happens as Meta figures out what to do next for people using these apps in Europe.
According to reports from the Wall Street Journal, users opting for ad-free experience would pay around $10.46 per month on desktop for a Facebook or Instagram account. Additionally, approximately 6 euros would be charged for each additional linked account. On mobile devices, the cost for a single account would be about $13, factoring in commissions charged by Apple’s and Google’s app stores.
This move follows a fine of 390 million euros imposed on Meta earlier this year by Ireland’s Data Privacy Commissioner. The company was instructed not to use the “contract” legal basis to send users ads based on their online activity. In response, Meta affirmed its commitment to seeking users' consent before allowing businesses to target advertising.
Meta has informed European regulators of its intention to introduce the ad-free plan, named Subscription No Ads (SNA), in the coming months for users in Europe.
A spokesperson for Meta stated that the company stands by “free services supported by personalized ads” while exploring options to ensure compliance with evolving regulatory standards.
This potential shift towards paid ad-free versions of Facebook and Instagram in the EU aligns with Meta’s efforts to adapt to changing regulations and maintain a positive user experience. Stay updated as Meta navigates this path and unveils further details regarding the subscription plan for users in Europe.