Meta has been facing security scrutiny for many years. It may be forced to take action after the European Union’s recent laws targeting tech companies. New reports indicate that Meta wants to create an ad-free version of Instagram and Facebook. However, the ad-free experience will be available with a paid subscription.
“Paid and ad-free” subscription solution for Instagram
Facebook and Instagram’s parent company Meta may launch a new subscription system for European users in the coming months. Subscriptions for both apps will allow users to enjoy an ad-free experience. With this move, the company plans to circumvent the EU’s strict regulations and increased scrutiny on privacy and data protection.
Last January, Meta was fined €390 million by the EU for forcing users to accept personalized ads on Facebook and Instagram. In addition, a decision by the European Commission banned Meta from using data from different services to target ads without explicit consent.
Social media platform Instagram is introducing a feature that will allow you to add a comment to your story.
The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which came into force in 2018, imposed limits on how tech companies can process European users’ data. Paid versions of Instagram and Facebook could allow Meta to monetize users instead of advertising.
Meta’s “premium” subscription service will only be available to European users, sources said. Free and ad-supported versions will continue. However, Meta did not specify when the paid service might be launched.
On the other hand, the EU’s Digital Markets Act will require changes for big tech firms to promote fair competition. Apple, for example, may have to allow a different app store other than the App Store on iOS devices in the EU.
