Meta has unveiled a new proposal to have European users pay $14 (AUD $22.06) per month.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Meta is considering getting Instagram and Facebook EU users to pay the fee if they don’t agree to let Meta use their personal data to serve them ads.
The monthly cost would start at around USD$10.50 (AUD $16.56) for a desktop Facebook or Instagram account but would soon increase to $14 for accounts on mobile devices charged through Apple and Google's app stores.
CNN says the subscription is one of a 'range of options to comply with multiple European regulations'.
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This is Meta’s latest attempt to get around Europe’s strict privacy rules after an EU ruling in July.
The European Court of Justice stated that under Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Facebook cannot justify using personal details to target people with personalized ads unless Meta gets users’ consent.
“Meta believes in the value of free services which are supported by personalized ads. However, we continue to explore options to ensure we comply with evolving regulatory requirements. We have nothing further to share at this time,” a Meta spokesperson told CNBC yesterday (October 3).
Meta has been discussing its plans with Ireland’s Data Protection Commission, which regulates the company across the EU, and with European officials in Brussels.
Meta has told regulators that it hopes to roll out this new plan, called SNA - subscription no ads - in the coming months.
However, it’s unknown if these regulators have supported the idea.
It comes after Meta announced a 'new product' called Meta Verified in February.
For $11.99 per month (AUD $19.02 ) on the web or $14.99 (AUD $23.78) per month on Apple and Android operating systems, Meta now uses a government identification to verify a user's account by giving it a blue badge.
Previously, the company’s blue badges were free for notable public figures and businesses.
Meta Verified also gives users exclusive features and increased visibility and reach.
When announcing the new product earlier this year, Facebook co-founder Mark Zuckerberg said: "Good morning and new product announcement: this week we're starting to roll out Meta Verified - a subscription service that lets you verify your account with a government ID, get a blue badge, get extra impersonation protection against accounts claiming to be you, and get direct access to customer support.
"This new feature is about increasing authenticity and security across our services.
"Meta Verified starts at $11.99 / month on web or $14.99 / month on iOS. We'll be rolling out in Australia and New Zealand this week and more countries soon."
However, be warned this is not an ad-free subscription, folks.
Topics: Social Media, World News, Facebook, Instagram
Charisa Bossinakis