Meta has revealed plans to launch an ad-free subscription model for Facebook and Instagram users in the near future. This service, expected to roll out in the coming weeks, will allow users to pay a monthly fee to enjoy an ad-free browsing experience.
Web users will be charged £2.99 per month, while mobile users on iOS and Android will pay £3.99 per month. Those who opt not to subscribe will still have access to both platforms for free, but with advertisements.
Currently, this change has only been announced in the UK, and there is no confirmed timeline for when it might be available in Pakistan.
The company explained that this new subscription model is a response to increasing regulatory scrutiny in Europe. There have been growing demands for more transparency in how user data is utilized for targeted advertising. Meta has faced challenges in the European Union, particularly after regulators ruled that its “pay or consent” approach could potentially violate the Digital Markets Act.
Earlier this year, the European Commission fined Meta €200 million, emphasizing that users should be offered a less intrusive advertising option based on basic details like age, gender, and location.
Subscribers to the new service will not see video ads, and their personal data will not be used for advertising purposes. The ad-free option will be rolled out in phases, initially available in the UK. While the model may expand to other regions, it will depend on regulatory approval.
It’s unlikely that this ad-free subscription will come to Pakistan anytime soon.
