Meta Introduces Subscription-based Ad-Free Experience for Facebook and Instagram
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Meta is rolling out advanced data control features for users in Europe, granting them the option to enjoy Facebook and Instagram without ads by subscribing for a monthly fee, much like X (formerly known as Twitter) has recently introduced premium tiers.
For individuals using Facebook and Instagram in the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland, there’s now the possibility to sign up for €9.99 per month on the web or €12.99 per month on iOS and Android, providing them with an ad-free experience across both social media platforms.
These monthly charges will be applicable to all Facebook and Instagram accounts associated with a single user until March 1, 2024. After this date, users who wish to maintain an ad-free experience on additional linked accounts will incur an additional cost of €6 per month on the web and €8 per month on iOS and Android. Users who prefer the ad-supported experience will still have the option to choose that on both platforms.
Meta has commented on its new ad-free offerings as follows:
The introduction of subscription options for ad-free content allows us to strike a balance between European regulatory requirements, giving users a choice, and allowing Meta to continue serving all individuals in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland.
Also Read:Â Meta Integrates Threads Posts In Facebook Feed
In its official statement, Meta underscores its commitment to protecting user data and ensuring compliance with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA came into effect in May and identified Facebook as a gatekeeper, categorizing it as a significant digital platform providing essential services in the social networks sector.
As a result, Meta is bound by the regulations, including their requirements and restrictions, until March 6, 2024. One of the DMA’s constraints is the prohibition of consolidating data collected from separate services within the same company and tracking users beyond the core service of their platform.
