Meta Introduces Subscription Service for Facebook and Instagram Users in Europe

In a significant development, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has unveiled a new subscription service for users in Europe, allowing them to opt out of targeted ads in exchange for a monthly fee. The move is in response to a growing emphasis on privacy regulations in the European Union and neighboring countries. As of now, Facebook and Instagram users in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland can subscribe to this ad-free experience for a monthly fee.

Starting at €9.99 ($10.60) per month for web users and €12.99 ($13.78) for iOS and Android users, this service promises to offer users a clutter-free social media experience by eliminating the often intrusive and personalized ads that have been a part of the Facebook and Instagram platforms for years. However, beginning in March, an additional fee will be introduced for each additional account listed in a user’s Account Center.

The implementation of this subscription model is a strategic move by Meta to comply with evolving European regulations aimed at regulating the use of personalized ads by major tech companies. In recent years, the European Union has tightened its data privacy rules, and soon, it will mandate that tech giants like Meta seek user consent for targeted advertising.

The court ruling in July established that tech companies can adopt subscription models as a legitimate way to obtain user consent. This means that Meta can now ask users if they want to enjoy Facebook and Instagram without advertising for a fee. It’s important to note that free access to these platforms will continue to be available for those who choose not to subscribe, but they will still see ads.

It’s worth mentioning that these subscription plans are exclusive to users within Europe and the aforementioned countries and do not apply to users outside of this region.

One of the key legal frameworks that has shaped this decision is the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which allows companies to collect and use the personal data of EU citizens for specific purposes. Meta has previously argued that its data collection for advertising is necessary to fulfill the “contracts” between the platform and its users to provide its services. However, privacy advocates and regulators have contended that this justification doesn’t adequately support the use of personal data for advertising purposes.

Meta issued a statement on this development, emphasizing its commitment to offering a free, ad-supported internet while complying with European regulations. The company stated, “We believe in a free, ad-supported internet — and will continue to offer people free access to our personalized products and services regardless of income. We respect the spirit and purpose of these evolving European regulations and are committed to complying with them.”

China Grants First-Ever Approval for Fully Autonomous Passenger-Carrying Air Taxis

Adobe MAX 2023: Introducing the Next Generation of Creativity, Powered by AI

Apple’s Missed Opportunities with Bing and DuckDuckGo Deals

TikTok Begins Testing an Ad-Free Subscription Plan

TikTok’s Southeast Asia Ambitions Face a Roadblock with Indonesia’s E-commerce Ban

Google’s Bard AI Chatbot Takes a Leap Forward with Major Expansion

Alibaba’s AI-Powered Renaissance Amidst New Leadership and Market Challenges

TikTok Hit with €345 Million Fine in Europe for Child Privacy Violations

China’s Economy Shows Signs of Recovery, but Real Estate Remains a Concern

Arm’s China Conundrum and the Risks in its $5 Billion IPO

Vietnam Technology Entrepreneurs Cross-Culture Business
techbiz.network AI week

A Week of Innovations, Challenges, and Elon Musk’s Sarcastic Sidekick

The AI Revolution: A Week of Unveilings, Challenges, and WitIn what can be deemed a watershed moment for artificial intelligence, …
techbiz.network facebook ad-free

Meta Introduces Subscription Service for Facebook and Instagram Users in Europe

In a significant development, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has unveiled a new subscription service for users …
techbiz.network AI week

A Week of Innovations, Challenges, and Elon Musk’s Sarcastic Sidekick

The AI Revolution: A Week of Unveilings, Challenges, and WitIn what can be deemed a watershed moment for artificial intelligence, …
techbiz.network China grants the first license on air-taxi service

China Grants First-Ever Approval for Fully Autonomous Passenger-Carrying Air Taxis

Self-driving air taxis have long been a tantalizing vision of the future, and now, they’re one step closer to becoming …
techbiz.network Traveling to Haivaii

Exploring the Enchanting Wonders of Hawaii- A Journey to Remember

Hawaii, an idyllic paradise nestled in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, is a dream destination for many travelers. With …
techbiz.network travel in Hanam

Vibrant Activities in Ha Nam Cultural and Tourism Week 2023

On May 14th, at Tam Chuc Tourist Area in Kim Bang District, the People’s Committee of Ha Nam Province, together …
techbiz.network Traveling to Haivaii

Exploring the Enchanting Wonders of Hawaii- A Journey to Remember

Hawaii, an idyllic paradise nestled in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, is a dream destination for many travelers. With …
techbiz.network Vietnam Airlines' Heritage Guide

Unveiling the Heritage Guide: Vietnam Airlines’ Exquisite Travel Companion for Exploring Vietnam

On June 15th, Vietnam’s national airline, Vietnam Airlines, officially launched a new travel guide publication called “Heritage Guide” on all …
techbiz.network Thomson Medical Group of Singapore accquires FV hospital

Thomson Medical Group Expands Southeast Asian Presence with Acquisition of FV Hospital in Vietnam

Singapore’s Thomson Medical Group (TMG) has made a significant move in the healthcare sector by acquiring Vietnam’s FV Hospital, marking …
techbiz.network By Rotation clothing rental app

By Rotation: The Startup Revolutionizing Fashion with Peer-to-Peer Clothing Rental

By Rotation, a U.K.-based clothing rental app, is on a mission to combat the harmful effects of fast fashion by …
techbiz.network AI week

A Week of Innovations, Challenges, and Elon Musk’s Sarcastic Sidekick

The AI Revolution: A Week of Unveilings, Challenges, and WitIn what can be deemed a watershed moment for artificial intelligence, …
techbiz.network facebook ad-free

Meta Introduces Subscription Service for Facebook and Instagram Users in Europe

In a significant development, Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has unveiled a new subscription service for users …

techbiz.network valentino joins metaverse

Valentino Joins the Metaverse: An Exciting Partnership with UNXD

Valentino, the iconic Italian fashion house, has announced its foray into the metaverse through a partnership with UNXD, the leading …

techbiz.network coinbase CEO concerns about SEC request

Coinbase CEO: SEC Request Could Have Spelled the End of US Crypto Industry

In a recent revelation, Brian Armstrong, the CEO of Coinbase, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in America, disclosed that the company …

techbiz.network coinbase CEO concerns about SEC request

Coinbase CEO: SEC Request Could Have Spelled the End of US Crypto Industry

In a recent revelation, Brian Armstrong, the CEO of Coinbase, the largest cryptocurrency exchange in America, disclosed that the company …

techbiz.network Traveling to Haivaii

Exploring the Enchanting Wonders of Hawaii- A Journey to Remember

Hawaii, an idyllic paradise nestled in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, is a dream destination for many travelers. With …
techbiz.network Abode by Stuarte Semple challenges Adobe

Abode: Artist Challenges Adobe’s Dominance with Lifetime Creative Software Suite

Artist and activist Stuart Semple has embarked on an ambitious project to challenge the dominance of Adobe, the corporate …
techbiz.network By Rotation clothing rental app

By Rotation: The Startup Revolutionizing Fashion with Peer-to-Peer Clothing Rental

By Rotation, a U.K.-based clothing rental app, is on a mission to combat the harmful effects of fast fashion by …

techbiz.network thread lost 82% users

Threads App’s Rollercoaster Ride: Plummeting 82% of Users Raise Concerns for Meta’s Social Experiment

In early July, Meta, formerly known as Facebook, unveiled its highly anticipated social media offering, Threads. The platform, described as …

techbiz.network Michelin Guide

The Michelin Guide: Honoring Culinary Excellence and Unveiling Hidden Gems

The Michelin Guide, which began as a humble travel companion for motorists, has evolved into an iconic gastronomic authority. It …

techbiz.network Traveling to Haivaii

Exploring the Enchanting Wonders of Hawaii- A Journey to Remember

Hawaii, an idyllic paradise nestled in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, is a dream destination for many travelers. With …
techbiz.network travel in Hanam

Vibrant Activities in Ha Nam Cultural and Tourism Week 2023

On May 14th, at Tam Chuc Tourist Area in Kim Bang District, the People’s Committee of Ha Nam Province, together …

techbiz.network Thomson Medical Group of Singapore accquires FV hospital

Thomson Medical Group Expands Southeast Asian Presence with Acquisition of FV Hospital in Vietnam

Singapore’s Thomson Medical Group (TMG) has made a significant move in the healthcare sector by acquiring Vietnam’s FV Hospital, marking …
techbiz.network By Rotation clothing rental app

By Rotation: The Startup Revolutionizing Fashion with Peer-to-Peer Clothing Rental

By Rotation, a U.K.-based clothing rental app, is on a mission to combat the harmful effects of fast fashion by …