Meta Opens Ad-Free Subscriptions in Europe Starting November

Meta will offer ad-free subscriptions to Facebook and Instagram in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland starting in November, however, users can still use the services for free but with the appearance of ads.

Meta Abides With European Regulation

For months, Meta has been under investigation by the EU after the regulation issued a complaint on how the company uses the collected data in Europe. The changes were the company's solution to the evolving and emerging requirements in the region.

"This includes how our lead data protection regulator in the EU, the Irish Data Protection Commission, is interpreting GDPR following a recent ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) and anticipating the entry into force of the Digital Markets Act (DMA)," Meta explained in a blog post.

In addition, Meta shared that the CJEU recognized that the subscription model is a "valid form of consent for an ads-funded service." Moreover, the move also balances the requests from the EU regulators while still giving both the customers and Meta a win-win situation.

Meta Launches Subscription Plans for Facebook, Instagram

Starting in November, users can enjoy Facebook and Instagram without ads for €9.99 ($10.57) a month on the web. Meanwhile, it will cost €12.99 ($13.78) monthly via Apple and Android's mobile operating systems. Social media users from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland will be offered this new plan.

Meta explained that the subscription will apply to all linked Facebook and Instagram accounts under the user's Accounts Center until March 1, 2024. Afterward, there will be an additional €6 per month fee on the web and €8 per month on mobile for each additional account listed in the user's Account Center.

Aside from complying with the regulation, the company also shared that the implementation of the plan will allow small businesses to thrive by reaching more potential customers in the European economy.

The ad-free subscription will be available for ages 18 and up but Meta promised that the company is already exploring to expand it to teens.