Meta Platforms has announced the launch of subscription plans for ad-free access to Instagram and Facebook in Europe. Starting next month, users in the European Union, the European Economic Area, and Switzerland will have the option to pay for ad-free experiences on these popular platforms. This decision aligns with the social media giant’s efforts to adhere to new regulations set forth by the European Union.
In a blog post released on Monday, Meta revealed that the subscription service will be available at a monthly fee of EUR 9.99 (approximately Rs. 880) for web users, and EUR 12.99 (around Rs. 1,100) for those using iOS and Android devices. These costs reflect additional fees imposed by Apple and Google, consistent with their respective policies.
The ad-free subscription is specifically designed for users aged 18 and older and will be applicable to all associated Facebook and Instagram accounts until March 1, 2024. After this date, any additional accounts linked in a user’s Account Center will incur an extra charge, with fees of EUR 6 per month on the web and EUR 8 per month on mobile platforms.
The introduction of this subscription plan positions Meta in compliance with evolving European regulations, including the Digital Markets Act and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In a statement, Meta expressed its commitment to upholding the essence of these regulations, while also ensuring that free access to its platforms remains available for users who elect not to subscribe. Advertisers will continue to have the opportunity to run personalized campaigns targeting users who prefer an ad-supported experience.
This new subscription model may offer a more cost-effective alternative compared to X’s Premium+ subscription, previously known as Twitter Blue, which is priced at $16 (approximately Rs. 1,300) per month and includes ad removal alongside a blue verification checkmark. X’s basic tier, at $3 (around Rs. 300) per month, does not provide an ad-free experience.
