Brussels: Meta on Monday announced that Facebook and Instagram users in Europe will be able to purchase subscriptions to the social networks without any advertising from next month.
The company in a statement said it is introducing a new subscription option in the EU, EEA (European Economic Area) and Switzerland to comply with evolving European regulations.
Meta has taken the decision after a series of harder European Union rules envisioned to rein in big tech, including the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).
The EU’s rules are a risk to Meta’s profitable revenue from advertising since they seek to curb its use of users’ data without consent.
Meta said European users can subscribe for a fee of 9.99 euros ($10.50) a month on the web, or 12.99 euros on mobile phones using iOS and Android operating systems.
Users will still be able to enjoy the social media platforms for free with advertising. However, people aged 18 or above will be able to buy subscriptions.
The move will appease EU regulators’ concerns
Meta thinks that taking this move will appease EU regulators’ concerns over its data collection and how ads are targeted.
The option for people to buy a subscription for no ads fulfils the requirements of European regulators while giving users choice and allowing Meta to continue serving all people in the EU, and Switzerland.
Meta also pointed to the EU’s landmark Digital Markets Act (DMA), which intends to curb how big tech does business online, with stringent rules on advertising.
The rules will be applicable from March 2024.
