Meta to launch ad-free Facebook, Instagram in UK

Meta Platforms has announced that users will soon have the option to pay for an ad-free experience on Facebook and Instagram in the United Kingdom. This initiative addresses ongoing privacy concerns.

The subscription fees will be £2.99 per month on the web and £3.99 on iOS and Android. Subscribers will not encounter ads, and their personal data will not be utilized for targeted advertising.

This development aligns with Meta's recent adjustments in the European Union, where regulations on data usage and advertising have become more stringent. The UK's data protection authority has also expressed apprehensions about the handling of personal information by social media companies, further influencing Meta's decision.

Meta stated that the ad-free option aims to provide users with greater control over their online interactions while maintaining the availability of free, ad-supported services for others.

This change underscores a wider industry trend as major technology firms adapt to increasing privacy regulations. Companies like Apple and Google have already modified their data collection and advertising practices in response to these challenges.

With advertising contributing approximately 98% of Meta's $164.5 billion revenue last year, finding a balance between regulatory adherence and the needs of its advertising business remains a significant challenge for the company.

Based on reporting by Africanews.