Meta Explores Plans For Non-Advertising Subscriptions For Instagram And Facebook Users In Europe

Meta Platforms is exploring options to introduce subscription plans without ads for Instagram and Facebook users in Europe, said a source familiar with the matter on Tuesday, October 3.

Several pricing plans have been discussed, but according to those sources, plans at a cost of 10 euros ($10.49) per month are the most likely.

This proposal is an attempt by Meta to circumvent EU regulations that threaten to limit its ability to adjust ads for users without their consent and harm its main source of revenue.

Offering a free subscription plan with paid ads and plans, Meta hopes to meet regulations without affecting its advertising business.

Meta's new plans are more expensive than Netflix streaming subscriptions, which cost 7.99 euros (Rp130 thousand) for its basic plans.

However, on mobile devices, prices for one account will jump to around 13 euros (Rp212 thousand) as Meta will consider commissions imposed by app stores Apple and Google, the Wall Street Journal reports.

This year, the social media company was fined 390 million euros (Rp 6.3 trillion) by Ireland's Data Protection Commissioner and was told they could not use legal basis for "contracts" to send ads to users based on their online activities.

In response, Meta said it intends to request user permission in the EU before allowing businesses to direct ads to meet regulatory requirements that continue to change in the region.