Meta has announced the introduction of a paid subscription service that will allow users in Europe to enjoy an ad-free experience on both social media platforms. This new initiative is similar to the premium tiers recently introduced by X (formerly Twitter).
The new subscription plan is available to users in the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland. The monthly subscription fee is set at €9.99 for web users and €12.99 for iOS and Android users. This fee will cover all Facebook and Instagram accounts linked to a single user until March 1, 2024.
After this date, users who wish to extend the ad-free experience to additional linked accounts will be charged an extra €6 per month for web users and €8 per month for iOS and Android users. However, users who prefer the traditional ad-supported experience can continue to use both platforms without any changes.
Meta’s decision to introduce this subscription service is seen as a balance between meeting the requirements of European regulators and providing users with a choice. It also allows Meta to continue serving all people in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland.
In its press release, Meta emphasized its commitment to protecting user information and complying with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA, which came into effect in May, designated Facebook as a gatekeeper, classifying it as a significant digital platform offering essential services in the social networks category.
As a result of the DMA, Meta is obligated to adhere to the regulations, including its requirements and prohibitions, by March 6, 2024. Among the DMA’s restrictions is the prohibition of merging data gathered from two distinct services within the same company and tracking users beyond the core service of their platform.
This new subscription service is a significant step in Meta’s efforts to enhance data control options for users and provide them with a more personalized and user-friendly experience on its platforms.
