Meta Platforms Explores Subscription Model for Ad-Free Facebook and Instagram in Europe

Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is reportedly considering a new subscription plan that would allow users in the European Union to access ad-free versions of the popular social media platforms. According to the Wall Street Journal, users would have to pay approximately $14 per month or agree to personalized ads in order to access the free versions.

Under the proposed plan, Meta would charge around 10 euros ($10.46) per month for a Facebook or Instagram account on desktop devices, with an additional fee of about 6 euros for each linked account. On mobile devices, the price for a single account would increase to roughly 13 euros due to commissions charged by Apple’s and Google’s app stores.

This move comes after Meta was fined 390 million euros earlier this year by Ireland’s Data Privacy Commissioner for using the “contract” legal basis to send users ads based on their online activity. In response, Meta stated its intention to seek user consent before allowing businesses to target advertising, in order to comply with evolving regulatory requirements in the EU.

Meta has now informed European regulators about its plans to introduce the subscription no ads (SNA) plan in the coming months. The company believes in providing free services supported by personalized ads but is exploring options to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Neither Meta, Ireland’s Data Protection Commission, nor the European Commission have responded to requests for comment on the matter.

The New York Times previously reported on Meta’s consideration of paid versions of Facebook and Instagram without ads for EU users, but did not provide specific pricing details.

As Meta continues to navigate regulatory challenges and privacy concerns, the introduction of a subscription model could offer users in the European Union an alternative to the traditional ad-supported experience on Facebook and Instagram.

Please note: The location of the events in this article is not specified.