Facebook and Instagram offer Europeans the option of ad-free versions.
2 min read
To comply with EU data privacy regulations, monthly fees—€12.99 for smartphone users and €9.99 for desktop—are now in effect.
In line with European Union data privacy regulations, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is introducing monthly charges for users in the region. Starting in November, desktop browser users can subscribe for €9.99 ($10.50) per month, while Apple iOS and Android users will face charges of approximately €12.99. The slightly higher fees for mobile users account for commissions imposed by the Apple and Google app stores for in-app transactions, as outlined in a company blog post.
The fee will cover all linked Facebook and Instagram accounts until March, after which Meta will implement charges of €6 for each additional account on web platforms and €8 for smartphones.
Meta is rolling out this subscription option in response to a ruling from the European Union’s highest court, which determined that, in accordance with EU data privacy regulations, the company cannot use personal data to customize ads for users without obtaining their prior consent. Meta’s primary revenue model relies on tailoring advertisements to individual users based on their online preferences and digital behavior.
A blog post from Meta asserted, “We believe in an internet supported by ads, providing people access to personalized products and services, irrespective of their financial situation.” The company also expressed its respect for “the essence and intent of these evolving European regulations” and its commitment to compliance. According to the EU’s Digital Markets Act legislation, Meta platforms will need explicit consent before tracking users for advertising purposes.
The introduction of the paid option, according to the company’s statement, “strikes a balance between the demands of European regulators, user choice, and Meta’s ongoing commitment to serving all individuals.” Recent reports suggested that European regulators were scrutinizing the cost of these services and whether they might be prohibitively expensive for individuals who prefer not to receive targeted advertisements.
Users aged 18 and older in the European Union’s 27 member states, along with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, will still have the option of using Facebook or Instagram with ads.
In response to the European privacy ruling, Meta mentioned that it is exploring ways to provide teenagers with a constructive and responsible advertising experience.
