Meta has confirmed it will launch an ad-free subscription option for Facebook and Instagram users in Europe.
The roll-out, slated for next month, reflects how tech giants adapt their core products in response to government pressure.
Meta said the move is a response to the changing regulatory landscape in Europe.
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The feature will be available for users in the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.
They can choose to continue using Facebook and Instagram for free, supported by ads, or subscribe to enjoy an ad-free experience.
9.99 euros a month
The subscription fee will range from 9.99 euros a month ($10.58) for web users to 12.99 euros a month ($13.75) for those on iOS and Android devices.Â
These fees will apply to a user’s linked Facebook and Instagram accounts.
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From March 1, 2024, Meta will impose additional charges of six euros a month for web access and eight euros for mobile access for extra accounts.
Meta’s core business model has long centered on providing free social networking services to users and selling ads to companies seeking to reach their audience.
Introducing a paid tier underscores how tech companies will have to adapt their products to comply with data privacy rules and government policies, particularly in Europe.Â
Big tech firms, including Amazon, Apple, Google, and TikTok, are adjusting their offerings to conform to new EU regulations.
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In July, the European Court of Justice ruled against Meta.
The ruling prohibits Meta from combining user data across its platforms and external websites and apps without explicit user consent.
This came after European regulators fined Meta 390 million euros in January for making personalized ads a requirement for using Facebook.
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In response to the court’s July ruling, Meta identified the potential for a subscription service to align with the judgment.
Such a service would allow users to access the platforms without their data being used for ad targeting.
“We respect the spirit and purpose of these evolving European regulations”
Meta said it’s committed to keeping user’s data private and secure.
A statement from the company said: “We believe in an ad-supported internet, which gives people access to personalised products and services regardless of their economic status.
“It also allows small businesses to reach potential customers, grow their business and create new markets, driving growth in the European economy.
“And like other companies we’ll continue to advocate for an ad-supported internet, even with our new subscription offering in the EU, EEA and Switzerland.
“But we respect the spirit and purpose of these evolving European regulations, and are committed to complying with them. “
