Two years ago, we saw Meta saying that it would be offering EU users an ad-free experience in exchange for a subscription fee. More recently, it looks like the Facebook and Instagram parent in expanding this to the UK. And the subscription prices here look to be much lower as well. In the announcement post, Meta says that it will notify users above 18 in the UK of the choice.
They don’t have to make the decision immediately on this, the company says. But if they choose to, it will cost GBP2.99 (~RM17) a month on the web. On mobile, this will instead cost GBP3.99 (~RM22.60). Meta specifically says this is due to both Google and Apple taking a cut from their respective app distribution service. And additional GBP2 or GBP3, respectively, will be charged for “each additional account listed in a user’s Account Centre”.
Meta says this decision comes as a response to regulatory guidance by the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The company has also taken the opportunity to slag off EU regulators for their “overreach by requiring us to provide a less personalised ads experience that goes beyond what the law requires”. In comparison, the UK ICO is described as being “more pro-growth and pro-innovation”.
This choice for adult UK users will be rolled out over the coming weeks. Still no word on if an equivalent will be rolled out to the rest of the world. Either way though, Meta says it will “continue to believe in an ad-supported internet, which ensures free access to personalised products and services for all”.
(Source: Meta)
