Facebook and Instagram are launching ad-free versions

This decision comes after warnings from the UK’s data regulator, ICO, and ongoing discussions about user data protection.

• Web users will pay £2.99/month.

• Mobile users will pay £3.99/month.

• Accounts linked across Facebook and Instagram will only need one subscription fee.
   

Meta stated that the service will be rolled out gradually, and users who do not subscribe will continue to see ads as before. Previously, a similar subscription model in the EU faced criticism, leading to a €200 million fine for Meta due to alleged violations of the Digital Markets Act. The EU claimed that a free ad-supported version could have been offered with minimal user data, which Meta did not implement.
 

In the UK, the situation is different. The ICO considers offering an opt-out option for ads a positive step toward protecting user data. The initiative was also influenced by the settlement of a case brought by human rights activist Tania O’Carroll.
 

Legal expert Gareth Oldale from law firm TLT believes that this UK decision will create a business-friendly environment and advance the digital economy.