Facebook Introduces £2.99 UK Subscription to Bypass Ads on Facebook and Instagram
Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, has launched a paid subscription service in the UK, allowing users to avoid seeing ads on its platforms. The new service, which will cost £2.99 per month, is set to start notifying users in the coming weeks.
According to Meta, the move aims to give UK users more control over their data and advertising preferences. "It will give people in the UK a clear choice about whether their data is used for personalised advertising, while preserving the free access and value that the ads-supported internet creates for people, businesses, and platforms," a spokesperson said.
The new subscription service follows similar ad-free options already available in the EU, where prices start at €5.99 per month. However, UK users will benefit from a lower price point of £2.99 per month. This move is seen as an attempt by Meta to generate revenue while also giving users more control over their online experience.
The introduction of paid subscriptions on Facebook and Instagram comes as the social media giant faces increasing scrutiny over data privacy and advertising practices. In recent years, there has been growing concern among users about the use of their personal data for targeted advertising.
Meta's move is seen as a response to these concerns, with some experts hailing it as a positive step towards greater transparency and user control. "This is a significant development in the world of social media, where users are increasingly demanding more control over their online experience," said Dr. Emma Taylor, a digital rights expert.
The new subscription service will be available to all UK users, with notifications set to start rolling out in the coming weeks. Users who choose not to subscribe will continue to see ads on Facebook and Instagram as usual.
Meta's move is also seen as an attempt to compete with other social media platforms that offer ad-free experiences. "This is a clear signal from Meta that it wants to give users more control over their online experience, while also generating revenue," said Dr. Taylor.
As the rollout of the new subscription service begins, it remains to be seen how UK users will respond to the option to pay for an ad-free experience on Facebook and Instagram. However, one thing is clear: Meta's move marks a significant shift in the way social media companies approach data privacy and user control.
Background:
Meta's decision to introduce paid subscriptions on Facebook and Instagram comes as the company faces increasing pressure from regulators and users over its advertising practices. In recent years, there has been growing concern among users about the use of their personal data for targeted advertising.
According to a report by the UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), social media companies are failing to provide adequate transparency around data collection and usage. The ICO has called on companies to be more transparent about how they collect and use user data, and to give users more control over their online experience.
Meta's move is seen as a response to these concerns, with the company aiming to give users more control over their data and advertising preferences. However, some experts have raised concerns that the new subscription service may not go far enough in addressing issues around data privacy and user control.
As the rollout of the new subscription service begins, it remains to be seen how UK users will respond to the option to pay for an ad-free experience on Facebook and Instagram. One thing is clear: Meta's move marks a significant shift in the way social media companies approach data privacy and user control.
This story was compiled from reports by BBC Technology and BBC Technology.
