Technology
Tuesday, October 3rd, 2023 2:17 pm EDT
Key Points
- Meta is considering offering European users an ad-free version of Instagram for a monthly fee of approximately $14 on mobile devices and up to $17 on desktops. This move is in response to strict privacy regulations in the European Union that require user consent for targeted advertising.
- Meta, also known as Facebook’s parent company, has engaged with regulators in Brussels, Ireland, and other EU privacy authorities to discuss this proposal, referred to as “subscription no ads” (SNA). However, it is unclear whether regulators consider this proposal sufficient, and they may request a more affordable alternative. This subscription offering is not expected to be introduced in the United States due to the differing privacy rules.
Meta is reportedly considering introducing a subscription service for European users of Instagram, allowing them to access an ad-free version of the platform in exchange for a monthly fee of nearly $14 on mobile devices and up to $17 on desktops. This move comes as Meta seeks to comply with strict privacy regulations in the European Union, which require user consent for targeted advertising. Meta has engaged with digital competition regulators in Brussels, privacy regulators in Ireland, and other EU privacy authorities to discuss its proposal, known as “subscription no ads” (SNA). The company aims to roll out this subscription service in the coming months. However, it remains uncertain whether regulators view this proposal as sufficient or if they might request a more affordable option. The privacy rules in question do not apply to the United States, so Meta is not expected to introduce SNA there. Previously, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg had announced a paid verification subscription service called Meta Verified, allowing users to obtain a blue verification badge for a monthly fee on Instagram and Facebook platforms, emphasizing improved “authenticity and security.”
For full original article on CNBC, please click here: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/03/meta-wants-to-charge-europeans-to-access-instagram-facebook-report-.html
