Reports say Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, may launch paid versions without ads in Europe. This comes as Meta clashes with EU regulators over data privacy and how user info is used for targeted ads.
According to sources, Meta is exploring a subscription plan where Europeans could pay a fee each month to browse Facebook and Instagram without seeing any promotions. Details like the price are still unknown since Meta hasn’t confirmed the option.
European authorities have fined Meta billions for illegally transferring private data to other countries. New EU laws will also restrict how personal details can be reused for ads.
Meta already started letting EU users opt-out of personalized ads. It may now require their explicit approval instead of assuming consent. The changes aim to satisfy regulators Meta has been fighting with.
If Meta does unveil paid ad-free membership in Europe, it could be a big shift for the social media giants mostly funded by advertisers so far. All eyes are on whether they’ll monetize privacy-conscious users across the pond.
Only time will tell if Facebook and Instagram users will have to open their wallets for an ad-free experience under Europe’s strict privacy protections. Meta seems eager to find solutions amid growing regulatory pressure.
