Various pricing plans have been discussed, with one source suggesting a 10 euro ($10.49) per month plan as the most feasible option. The implementation is expected in the coming months, as per another source.
This move is seen as a response to European Union regulations that could restrict Meta’s ability to personalize ads for users without their consent, potentially affecting its primary revenue stream.
To address these regulations, Meta is proposing a choice between a free, ad-supported plan and a paid subscription. This approach could encourage users to opt for the ad–supported plan, helping Meta comply with the regulations while sustaining its ad business.
For mobile devices, the cost for a single account would be approximately 13 euros, factoring in commissions charged by Apple’s and Google’s app stores, according to the second source.
In comparison, Netflix (NFLX.O) offers a basic subscription plan for 7.99 euros, Alphabet’s (GOOGL.O) YouTube Premium is priced at about 12 euros, and Spotify’s (SPOT.N) Premium service costs about 11 euros.
Earlier this year, Meta was fined 390 million euros by Ireland’s Data Privacy Commissioner and was informed it could not use the so-called “contract” as a legal basis to send users ads based on their online activity.
Subsequently, the social media company announced its intention to seek consent from EU users before allowing businesses to target ads, aligning with evolving regulatory requirements in the region.
A spokesperson from Meta emphasized the company’s belief in “free services supported by personalized ads” and mentioned their exploration of options to ensure compliance with evolving regulatory requirements.
Both Meta and the European Commission, as well as Ireland’s Data Protection Commission, declined to comment.
($1 = 0.9536 euros)
