Meta Considers Monthly Fee for Ad-Free Instagram and Facebook in Europe
By introducing a monthly fee for ad-free versions of Instagram and Facebook, Meta aims to provide users with an enhanced experience while adhering to EU privacy regulations.
In a bid to comply with strict privacy rules in the European Union (EU) while offering an ad-free experience, Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is contemplating charging European users a monthly fee to access ad-free versions of Instagram and Facebook. The proposed fee ranges from approximately $14 per month for mobile devices to up to $17 per month for desktop devices. This alternative fee structure is aimed at users who do not wish to allow Meta to utilize their digital activity for targeted ads.
To navigate the stringent privacy regulations in the EU that require user consent for displaying personalized ads, Meta has submitted a proposal to privacy officials in Ireland, Brussels, and other EU member states. The plan, dubbed "subscription no ads" (SNA), aims to be rolled out in the coming months, but it is uncertain whether regulators will consider this proposal sufficient or demand a more affordable option.
It is crucial to note that the proposed fee applies solely to European users, with no expected impact on users in the United States. By introducing a monthly fee for ad-free versions of Instagram and Facebook, Meta aims to provide users with an enhanced experience while adhering to EU privacy regulations.
Johan Chairil
META: Instagram and Facebook Fees
The proposed monthly fee for an ad-free experience on Instagram is estimated to be around $14 per month for mobile devices and up to $17 per month for desktop devices. If users wish to avoid ads on both Facebook and Instagram, an additional fee of approximately $7 per service is required. However, users who choose not to pay the monthly fee will continue to see personalized ads on both platforms.
The introduction of this fee structure is anticipated to affect the user experience in several ways. Firstly, users who opt to pay the monthly fee will enjoy an ad-free experience on both Facebook and Instagram. This means that their feeds and stories will be free from any advertisements. On the other hand, users who do not subscribe to the ad-free option will still encounter personalized ads, as Meta relies on users' digital activity to target advertisements, which serves as a primary source of revenue for the company.
While the proposal is aimed at providing an ad-free experience, its primary goal is to align with EU privacy rules. These regulations necessitate Meta obtaining users' consent to display targeted ads. By implementing the "subscription no ads" plan, Meta aims to navigate these strict privacy rules while presenting a viable solution. However, it remains to be seen whether regulators will consider this plan satisfactory or request the introduction of a more affordable offering.
No Ads Service Fees
Meta's consideration of charging a monthly fee for ad-free versions of Instagram and Facebook is driven by its commitment to comply with EU privacy regulations. European users will have the option to pay a fee of approximately $14 per month for an ad-free experience on Instagram for mobile devices, and up to $17 per month for the desktop version.
Furthermore, users who also wish to avoid ads on Facebook and Instagram will need to pay an additional fee of roughly $7 per service. However, those who choose not to pay the fee will continue to see personalized ads on both platforms. Meta's proposal, known as "subscription no ads," seeks to strike a balance between offering an enhanced user experience and meeting the strict privacy requirements of the European Union.