Remember when social media was just free? Well, the landscape is officially shifting. Meta just dropped a major update for UK users, offering a paid route to ditch those hyper-targeted ads on Facebook and Instagram.
This isn’t just about a cleaner feed; it’s about having a real choice regarding personalized advertising and your data. Starting in the coming weeks, here’s what you need to know about the new ‘consent or pay’ model:
The Cost Breakdown (First Account):
- On the Web: £2.99 per month.
- On Mobile (iOS/Android): £3.99 per month (the extra quid covers Apple/Google app store fees).
If you link your accounts, one subscription covers both platforms! Plus, any additional profile you want ad-free comes at a reduced rate.
You still have the option to scroll for free with ads, but if uninterrupted content and taking your personal data out of the ad loop are worth the price of a coffee, Meta is now selling that peace of mind. This move follows regulatory guidance from the UK’s ICO, setting the region apart in its approach to digital privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Meta introducing this paid option?+
This move is in response to guidance from the UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) regarding how personal data is used for targeted advertising. It gives users a clear choice: consent to personalized ads for free access, or pay a fee to use the platforms without their data being used for that purpose.
How much does the ad-free subscription cost?+
The cost for the first account is: £2.99 per month when subscribing on the web (desktop browser) and £3.99 per month when subscribing on mobile (iOS/Android app).
Why is the mobile price higher?+
The £3.99 mobile price covers the fees charged by Apple and Google through their respective app stores' purchasing policies.
What if I have multiple accounts linked?+
For any additional account linked in your Accounts Center that you want ad-free, a reduced fee will automatically apply: £2 per month on the web or £3 per month on mobile.
What happens if I choose not to subscribe?+
You can continue to use both Facebook and Instagram for free, but you will continue to see personalized/targeted ads. Your personal data will continue to be used to show you those ads.
