Facebook, Instagram Launch Paid Ad-Free Subscriptions In EU

(Photo Illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

OAN’s Brooke Mallory
11:39 AM – Monday, October 30, 2023

In compliance with European Union (EU) regulations, Facebook and Instagram users in Europe can now choose to subscribe to ad-free versions of the social networking platforms.

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On Monday, Meta (formerly Facebook) revealed the new subscription choices. On the web, users may eliminate ads from their accounts for 9.99 euros per month, and on iOS and Android, the cost is 12.99 euros per month.

The amount will be applied to each and every Facebook and Instagram account that is linked to a user’s “Accounts Center.”

While expressing support for the ad-powered economy, Meta has stated that it must adjust to the more stringent rules in Europe, particularly the Digital Services Act, which focuses on advertising.

“We believe in an ad-supported internet, which gives people access to personalized products and services regardless of their economic status. It also allows small businesses to reach potential customers, grow their business and create new markets, driving growth in the European economy,” Meta said in a blog post. The company said, though, that it respects the “spirit and purpose of these evolving European regulations, and are committed to complying with them.”

Beginning in November, the EU, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland will have access to the new subscription option.

The company added that all accounts would initially be covered by the same monthly charge, but customers will have to pay 6 euros or 8 euros per month for web or iOS if they want to add accounts after March 2024.

As part of the company’s adaption to the DSA, it will also no longer display advertisements to users in Europe who are 18 years of age or younger.

Regulations under the DSA prohibit utilizing sensitive information on an individual’s race, sexual orientation, or religion in targeted advertising directed towards minors. Additionally, it forbids tech firms from hiding their algorithms or content moderation practices, holding them responsible for “harmful and illegal” information. The new regulations also make it easier to track down traders on online markets.

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