Meta introduces ad-free paid subscriptions on Facebook and Instagram

Meta has introduced a paid subscription service for Facebook and Instagram, allowing users to eliminate all ads on these platforms. The move is a response to heightened data privacy concerns raised by European Union regulators. This subscription service is available across the European Union and comes at a cost of approximately €9.99 per month on the web, or €12.99 per month on iOS and Android, accounting for additional platform-related fees.

Facebook’s tracking and ad targeting practices have come under scrutiny in the European Union, prompting Meta’s initiative to offer users the choice between paying for an ad-free experience or using the service for free while consenting to data collection. This approach is designed to align with evolving European data regulations, such as the Digital Markets Act and GDPR, as Meta aims to address privacy requirements.

Meta is committed to respecting the evolving European regulations and will continue to provide free access to its products for users who opt not to pay. The experience for non-paying users will remain the same, with existing ad preference tools available.

However, there are restrictions to the new ad-free subscription. It is limited to users aged 18 and older in the European Union, EEA, and Switzerland. Initially, the subscription covers all connected Facebook and Instagram accounts, but additional fees for linked accounts will be introduced starting March 1, 2024, at €6 on the web or €8 on iOS and Android per linked account. As long as users maintain their subscription, their data will not be used for ad targeting.

The service will be launched in regions with strong consumer data protections and will be an optional purchase.

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