Meta May Offer UK Customers A Paid, Ad-Free Experience

Meta may expand its EU pay model to the UK, charging customers who want to use Facebook and Instagram ad-free.

The EU’s recent regulatory changes have forced Meta to adjust how it operates its social media platforms within the bloc. Because the EU has tougher privacy legislation than the US, Meta gives users the option to pay €5.99 per month to have an ad-free experience.

Despite no longer being part of the EU, the UK has similar privacy legislation. As a result, BBC News reports that Meta is considering an expansion of its paid, ad-free program to the UK. A spokesperson told the outlet the company is “exploring the option.”

The Information Commissioner’s Office said it looking at the data privacy issue, and expects Meta to consider a paid, ad-free option for the UK.

“One of our key priorities is to ensure that people’s information rights are upheld by the online advertising industry. Earlier this year we ran a call for views on ‘consent or pay’ models, in which service users pay a fee to not be tracked for online advertising,” said Stephen Almond, ICO’s Executive Director of Regulatory Risk. “We are considering the responses received and will set out the ICO’s position later this year.

“Following engagement with Meta, we are examining how UK data protection law would apply to any potential ad-free subscription service. We will expect Meta to consider any data protection concerns we raise prior to any introduction of a subscription service for its UK users.”

With Meta potentially providing a paid, ad-free option in both the UK and EU, it is at least conceivable the company may eventually bring the option to US customers. Such an option would be a welcome one, especially for more privacy-conscious users.

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