Meta's New Subscription Model

Meta Platforms Inc. is set to revolutionize the way Europeans use Facebook and Instagram by introducing a subscription-based, ad-free experience. According to the Wall Street Journal, the company has proposed a plan to regulators that would allow users to opt out of personalized ads for a monthly fee.

Understanding the SNA Plan

The proposed Subscription No Ads (SNA) plan offers two choices: continue using the platforms for free with personalized ads or pay for an ad-free version. The fee is approximately €10 for desktop access to both Facebook and Instagram, with an additional €6 for every extra linked account. Mobile users, however, would face a higher charge of around €13, attributed to the commissions imposed by Apple's and Google's app stores on in-app payments.

Regulatory Changes Prompting the Shift

This move comes in the wake of stringent privacy regulations by the European Union, which restrict Meta's ability to display personalized ads without explicit user consent. The SNA plan is seen as Meta's strategic response to these regulatory challenges, offering users more control over their ad experience.