Facebook and Instagram may have paid, ad-free versions in Europe

Facebook and Instagram may have paid, ad-free versions in Europe


Meta would be preparing paid subscriptions for Facebook and Instagram, allowing users to eliminate advertising and complying with local legislation

A Objective could prepare a membership program for the Facebook AND Instagram to allow users to get rid of ads on social networks. The idea would be valid only for Europe and would be in the planning stage, with the first information published by the New York Times.



According to the report, which claims to have listened to three people close to the development of the new packages, the real reason behind the novelty is the legislation of the European Union. While the idea of ​​ad-free access to the platforms may seem appealing to some users, Meta would be more interested in meeting the demands of regulators and eliminating fines and lawsuits, with the additional billing of subscriptions in the background.

The decision would be linked to new regulations in force in the region, which have reduced the data collection capabilities of the two platforms, directly affecting activities involving ads on Facebook and Instagram. It’s a business that generates about 10% of Meta’s global revenue and will continue to exist, now, of course, along with providing options for users who wish to remain unaffected by advertising.

Access to Facebook and Instagram remains free

The traditional option, with free access and no resource restrictions, with ads appearing in the middle of posts and stories, should remain available as it is today. And while expectations regarding the number of subscribers are not the highest, Meta’s interest in satisfying the regulators goes in the opposite direction, with infringements in the European Union already yielding almost 2 million euros in fines alone this year.




Facebook and Instagram features would remain free, with an ad-free subscription option that would only reach Europe, with an eye to requests from lawmakers (Image: Austin Distel/Unsplash)

In January, both Facebook and Instagram were penalized for violating privacy laws in collecting data from Irish users. Then, in May, another finethis time to transfer user information to servers in the United States, which is considered as an improper use of the volumes obtained.

The change, if confirmed, would score a rare shift in focus for the company, as well as a great differentiation of its offer of services in the European Union, compared to the rest of the world. However, it wouldn’t be the first time a paid service has been added, as both Facebook and Instagram already offer a subscription that entitles you to verified seal and identity protection systems – in Brazil, such resources are offered for R$ 55 per month.

Meta has not officially commented on the possible launch of season tickets in the European Union. Information on pricing and possible availability was also not provided by the sources heard by The New York Times.

Source: The New York Times

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