Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is considering introducing a subscription model that would allow European users to access these platforms without ads in exchange for a monthly fee. Here are the key details:
Subscription Non-Advertising (SNA) Plan:
- Meta has submitted a proposal known as the SNA, or Subscription Non-Advertising plan, to European regulators.
- Under this plan, users would have two choices:
- Continue using Facebook and Instagram for free with personalized ads.
- Pay a monthly subscription fee for an ad-free experience.
Pricing Details:
- For desktop usage of Facebook and Instagram, Meta plans to charge approximately €10 per month (around $10.50).
- An additional €6 would be levied for each additional account.
- On mobile devices, the monthly price would be approximately €13, factoring in commissions from Apple and Google on in-app payments.
Significant Shift for Meta:
- This move represents a significant shift for Meta, as the company has traditionally offered its core services for free, supported by advertising, to ensure accessibility for users of all income levels.
Compliance with Regulatory Ruling:
- Meta's proposal is a response to a Luxembourg court ruling earlier this year. The ruling stipulated that Facebook could not use personal data for targeted advertising without obtaining user consent.
Implementation Timeline:
- These changes are expected to be implemented in the coming weeks.
- Meta is obliged to comply with the court ruling, and the deadline for implementation is set for the end of November.
Potential Expansion:
- While initially targeting European users, there is potential for this subscription model to expand to other countries worldwide.
Meta's proposed Subscription Non-Advertising plan provides European users with a choice between an ad-supported experience and an ad-free experience for a monthly fee. This change is driven by evolving regulatory requirements and privacy considerations. The company aims to strike a balance between user choice and data usage while adhering to legal mandates. Implementation is scheduled for the coming weeks, with a deadline at the end of November.