In a bold move to adapt to changing regulatory landscapes and user preferences, Meta has reportedly proposed a monthly subscription fee for using Instagram and Facebook without ads. Under this plan, users in Europe could be charged approximately $14 (around Rs 1,165) per month for an ad-free experience on these platforms, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. So far, there is no word for Asian markets like India. However, the Indian government could also decide to go in the same direction in the near future if the subscription fee is approved in Europe for privacy reasons, but this is just a prediction for now. Here are the details.
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Meta has disclosed this potential move to privacy regulators in Ireland, digital competition authorities in Brussels, and European Union privacy regulators. This decision comes in the wake of Meta being designated as a ‘gatekeeper’ under the EU’s new Digital Markets Act, a piece of legislation aimed at curbing the power of tech giants. Among other provisions, this act prohibits companies from combining users’ personal data across their various services while imposing additional restrictions.
The European Union has been actively working on implementing stricter regulations for major tech companies, with the primary objective of safeguarding the online rights of European users and fostering competition in an industry dominated by American giants.
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According to the cited source, Meta is contemplating a subscription fee of approximately 10 euros, equivalent to $10.46, per month for users who wish to access Facebook or Instagram without advertisements on desktop devices. Users with additional accounts may incur an extra charge of approximately 6 euros per account. However, for mobile device users, the subscription price could rise to around 13 euros per month. This increase accounts for the commissions imposed by Apple’s and Google’s app stores on in-app payments, which Meta intends to absorb.
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Meta has informed regulators that it intends to roll out the subscription plan, dubbed the “no ads” or SNA plan, for European users in the coming months. This move will grant users the option to either continue accessing Facebook and Instagram with personalized advertisements or opt for an ad-free experience by paying for the service. It remains uncertain whether regulators in Ireland or Brussels will deem Meta’s SNA plan compliant with EU regulations, according to the outlet.
In response to inquiries, a Meta spokesperson stated that the company remains committed to offering free services supported by personalized ads. However, the company is open to exploring options that align with the “evolving regulatory requirements.”
