Meta Expands Ad-Free Subscription to UK, Complying with Data Protection Laws
Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, is expanding its ad-free subscription service to UK users. This move follows the company's criticism of EU regulators and its compliance with tougher data protection rules.
Meta initially introduced its ad-free option in the EU at the end of 2023, following the European data regulator's requirement that users not be forced to pay for data protection. The company criticized this regulation, stating it was an 'overreach' that limited its ability to provide personalized ads.
Now, Meta is extending this model to UK users. The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) welcomed this 'constructive approach'. UK users can now opt out of personalized ads by paying a monthly fee of £2.99 ($4) on the web, or £3.99 via iOS and Android apps. This was approved by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
The UK price for ad-free subscriptions is lower than the EU price, starting at £2.99 ($4) compared to 5.99 euros ($7) per month. The ICO confirmed that this option would allow Meta to comply with UK law.
Meta's move to offer ad-free subscriptions in the UK is a response to recent regulatory guidance, giving users more control over their data. This shift comes after years of regulatory battles over Meta's data privacy practices and its profit from selling user data to advertisers.
