Meta Platforms (XNAS-META) has announced plans to launch an ad free subscription option for Facebook and Instagram users in the United Kingdom, marking a significant shift in its monetization strategy as regulatory scrutiny intensifies.
Starting in the coming weeks, UK users will be able to choose between continuing to use Meta’s platforms for free with targeted advertising or paying a monthly fee to opt out of ads entirely. The subscription will cost £2.99 ($3.99) per month on the web and £3.99 on iOS and Android devices.
This move mirrors similar offerings Meta has rolled out across the European Union in response to stricter data privacy regulations. The UK’s data protection authority has recently raised concerns about how digital platforms handle personal data for advertising purposes, prompting Meta to expand its compliance efforts.
Meta stated that the ad-free tier is designed to give users more control over their online experience while maintaining the company’s ability to offer free services supported by advertising. Subscribers will not see ads, and their personal data will not be used for advertising-related activities.