Meta floats ₹1,164 plan for ad-free Instagram, Facebook; list of countries revealed

Meta is planning to charge 10 euros per month for desktop use of a Facebook or Instagram account, and 6 euros for additional linked accounts

Updated on: Oct 3, 2023, 11:27:34 IST

By HT News Desk

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US-based Meta Platforms is planning to launch a paid plan for those who want to use the ad-free versions of Instagram or Facebook. Such users could be charged as much as $14 ( ₹1164) per month.

This Meta fee regime, however, would be implemented in the European Union first. (REUTERS)

The company is planning to charge 10 euros per month for desktop use of a Facebook or Instagram account, and 6 euros for additional linked accounts, reported Reuters, quoting a WSJ report.

For those who want to use these platforms on mobile phones, the fee per month for the ad-free versions would jump to 13 euros as the company would factor in platform fees levied by Apple Store and Google App Store.

This fee regime, however, would be implemented in the European Union first that comprises countries like Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

Also read: Meta announces Ray-Ban smart glasses! Check specs, price

Earlier this year, Ireland's Data Privacy Commissioner fined Meta 390 million euros and said it was not allowed to use the contract legal basis to send users ads based on their online activity.

The company later said it would ask users in the European Union for their consent before allowing businesses to send them advertisements. The company had said it would do so to address what it called evolving regulatory requirements in these 27 countries.

According to the report, Meta has informed European regulators about its plan to roll out the ad-free scheme, called subscription no ads (SNA), over the next few months.

Also read: Mark Zuckerberg unveils AI assistant, Facebook-streaming glasses

A Meta spokesperson told WSJ that even though the company wants to provide free service supported by personalized ads, it is "exploring" other avenues in order to comply with what he called "evolving regulatory requirements."

Meta has been struggling with dropping advertisement revenues across the globe. It has also been under constant scrutiny in several countries over alleged privacy and regulatory violations.

With inputs from Reuters

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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