Meta explores introduction of ad-free versions of Instagram and Facebook for European users

Meta considers ad-free social media in Europe amid EU privacy regulations.

Meta explores introduction of ad-free versions of Instagram and Facebook for European users

Meta, the parent company of Instagram and Facebook, is reportedly contemplating offering ad-free versions of its social media platforms in Europe in response to new EU privacy regulations. The regulations mandate obtaining user consent for targeted ads, potentially impacting Meta's advertising revenue, its primary income source.

Meta explores introduction of ad-free versions of Instagram and Facebook for European users

To address this, Meta is exploring the idea of charging users a monthly fee to eliminate ads from Instagram and Facebook in Europe, marking the first time users would pay for core services. The ad-free subscription is expected to cost approximately EUR 13 per month on mobile devices and EUR 10 per month on web browsers, with an extra EUR 6 for each additional account.

The launch date for the ad-free subscription plan in Europe remains uncertain, and its availability in other regions is unknown. Meta is in discussions with privacy watchdogs in Belgium and Ireland regarding the plan, tentatively named "subscription no ads" or SNA, with potential rollout in the coming months.

Meta's current business model relies on targeted advertising using user data, but EU privacy regulations pose challenges for data collection. The ad-free subscription plan presents a potential avenue for Meta to generate revenue while adhering to new privacy regulations.

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