Facebook and Instagram users in European Union, Switzerland, and the European Economic Area will have the option to pay a monthly subscription in exchange for an ad-free experience in November, Meta announced.
Meta said it is offering the subscription for €9.99/month on the web and €12.99/month on iOS and Android. Initially, the subscription will cover all linked accounts in a user’s Accounts Center.
However, beginning March 1, 2024, an additional fee of €6/month on the web and €8/month on iOS and Android will apply for each additional account listed in a user’s Account Center.
Meta’s new subscription offering is in response to the evolving EU regulations such General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
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That being said, Meta said it has no plans to introduce subscriptions to other markets, saying that it is not giving up on its original free ad-supported model.
“We believe in an ad-supported internet, which gives people access to personalised products and services regardless of their economic status. It also allows small businesses to reach potential customers, grow their business and create new markets, driving growth in the European economy,” the company said.
“The option for people to purchase a subscription for no ads balances the requirements of European regulators while giving users choice and allowing Meta to continue serving all people in the EU, EEA and Switzerland. In its ruling, the [Court of Justice of the European Union] expressly recognised that a subscription model, like the one we are announcing, is a valid form of consent for an ads funded service,” they said.
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