We use Facebook and Instagram ad-free for a monthly fee

Digital giant Meta has announced new rules for the use of its Facebook and Instagram platforms in Europe.

From the beginning of November 2023, users on the Old Continent can choose whether or not to see advertising content on social networks. In the latter case, they do so after activating a monthly subscription that provides them with an ad-free newsfeed and guarantees that their personal information will not be used for targeting.

The reason for the innovation is the ever-tightening data protection laws and consumer rights on the internet adopted by the EU in recent months.

With the introduction of the subscription option, Meta provides choice to its users and ensures compliance with the new regulations. Those who do not want to be targeted with advertising messages can now achieve this for a monthly fee of 9.99 euros for the web version on platforms and 12.99 euros on mobile.

For now, the fee will apply to all connected Facebook and Instagram accounts of a user. However, from March 2024, the amount will increase for additional accounts.

The platforms remain free for users who choose to use them with advertising content as before.

How this innovation will change the digital landscape remains to be seen. After the news of the third-party cookie shutdown, this is another blow to advertisers who could lose a valuable marketing channel in the face of Facebook and Instagram. On the other side are consumers who are faced with the choice of paying for a service that has been free for more than a decade.