Instagram and Facebook change the rules for viewing posts
Facebook and Instagram users living in Europe will be able to view the content of these social networks without ads. To do this, they will need to sign up for a monthly subscription for €9.99 for the web version or €12.99 for iOS and Android devices. The company that owns these platforms, the American Meta Platforms Inc. – was forced out by pressure from EU antitrust authorities.
Bloomberg reports that in the summer of 2023, Meta Platforms Inc. lost a lawsuit against a German data restriction order. “The court ruled that companies should consider offering customers who do not want their data collected and sold to advertisers an alternative way to use social media,” the analysts explained.
At the same time, Reuters experts note that EU rules may limit Meta Platforms Inc’s ability to personalize ads for users without their consent. And also to harm its main source of income.
However, this can be avoided. After all, it is noted that social media users can personally refuse to pay for viewing content without advertising. That will help Meta Platforms Inc to comply with the legal requirements.
Where the new service will be available
A paid subscription is scheduled to be launched in November. The service will be available in the EU countries as well:
- Iceland;
- Liechtenstein;
- Norway;
- Switzerland.
Until March 1, 2024, the subscription will apply to all user accounts. Starting from March 1, 2024, you will have to pay 6 euros per month for each additional account from the browser and 8 euros from iOS and Android.
