Meta said on Monday that it will introduce an advertisement-free subscription option next month for people who use Facebook or Instagram in Europe.
The company said it was complying with “evolving European regulations” by introducing the subscription option in the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Starting in November, users will be able to choose to continue using Facebook or Instagram for free with advertisements, or to subscribe to stop seeing ads, Meta said.
The cost will range from 9.99 euros per month ($10.58) on the web to 12.99 euros per month ($13.75) on iOS and Android devices, and apply to a user’s linked Facebook and Instagram accounts. Starting on March 1, 2024, an additional fee of 6 euros per month for the web version and 8 euros per month for mobile access will apply for additional accounts.
Meta’s core business has long centered on offering free social networking services to users and selling advertising to companies that want to reach that audience. Providing a paid tier is an example of how companies like Meta are having to redesign products to comply with data privacy rules and other government policies, particularly in Europe.
In a statement on Monday, Meta said it was committed to keeping people’s information private and secure, but it believed in an “ad-supported internet” that provides users with personalized products and services, while also allowing small businesses to reach potential customers.
“We respect the spirit and purpose of these evolving European regulations, and are committed to complying with them,” Meta said.
