Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has announced a new subscription option for its users in Europe that will remove most ads from the social media platforms. The move comes after Meta faced fines and legal challenges in the region over its data privacy practices and consent policies. The subscription option, which will cost €9.99 per month for desktop users and €12.99 for mobile users, will give users more choice and control over their online experience. However, it will also raise questions about the future of the ad-supported internet and the impact of the subscription model on Meta’s revenue and user base. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Meta’s decision, the details of the subscription option, and the implications for users, advertisers, and regulators.
Read it in Short
- People in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland will be able to pay a monthly fee to use Facebook and Instagram without seeing ads. On the other hand, they can keep using these services for free while seeing ads that are relevant to them.
- Meta says that they believe in a free internet that is supported by ads, and will continue to give everyone, no matter how much money they have, free access to their personalized products and services.
- Meta will keep people’s information private and safe, as required by their rules and the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), whether they use thier products for free with ads or pay to get rid of the ads.
- After March 1, subscribers will have to pay extra for any extra profiles that are tied in their Meta Account Center. It costs €6 a month if you buy it directly and €8 if you buy it through an app shop. Only people over the age of 18 can use the ad-free service.
Why Meta it’s launching subscriptions for ad-free Facebook and Instagram in Europe?
Based on the Meta’s recent Blog Post, Meta is committed to an ad-supported internet, aiming to provide personalized goods and services for users regardless of their financial status. They highlight the benefits of ads for small businesses, aiding in their growth and contributing to the European economy. Despite offering subscriptions in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland, Meta acknowledges and respects the evolving European rules. In response to regulatory changes, they switched users in these regions to the GDPR legal basis of “Consent” in August. Users can now opt for a subscription to eliminate ads, aligning with European lawmakers’ needs and maintaining user choice.
The CJEU supports this subscription model as a legitimate way to access ad-supported services. The ad-free subscription, available to users aged 18 and up, ensures a seamless experience, with Meta providing tools like Ad Preferences for users to control their ad exposure. Meta pledges ongoing investment in tools to balance personalized advertising benefits with user control. They also contemplate ways to provide a responsible ad experience for kids as rules evolve. The commitment to user control and privacy remains a priority in Meta’s evolving landscape.
Conclusion
Meta has taken this new subscription model into account in our most current business outlook and guidance. This post makes predictions, such as about Meta’s business picture and how regulations will change in the future. You shouldn’t take these comments as signs of what will happen in the future. Meta’s most current Form 10-Q has more information about possible risks and unknowns that could affect our business and financial results. Meta doesn’t promise to change these claims if new information comes in or if something happens in the future.