Meta is considering launching an ad-free subscription service for Facebook and Instagram users in the United Kingdom, following a similar model already implemented in the European Union.
Under the proposed plan, users would have the option to pay to avoid data tracking and advertisements. The subscription would provide an alternative to the current free model that relies heavily on personalized advertising, which accounts for over 96% of Meta’s revenue.
Currently, EU users can subscribe for €5.99 to €9.99 per month, with mobile versions potentially costing slightly more due to app store commissions. The UK rollout comes after consultations with the UK data watchdog, which has urged Meta to carefully consider data protection concerns.
Social media experts predict limited adoption, suggesting most users would prefer to continue using the platforms for free rather than pay to avoid ads. The move is seen as Meta’s strategic response to increasing privacy regulations and potential future restrictions on data collection.
This initiative follows a broader trend among social media platforms, including Snapchat, TikTok, and X, which are exploring subscription-based models to diversify revenue streams.
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Meta’s approach represents a significant shift from CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s previous stance of keeping core services free. The company frames the subscription as a way to provide users with more control over their data and privacy.
The plan is still under review by regulatory bodies, who are concerned about the pricing and whether it truly offers users a genuine choice between privacy and free access.
As privacy concerns continue to grow, Meta’s ad-free subscription could signal a new era of user-controlled social media experiences.
