Ad-free paid plans for Facebook and Instagram expected, but for what purpose?

Meta Group plans to launch paid, ad-free offerings in Europe to comply with new EU privacy rules.

Facebook and Instagram, social networks owned by the American giant Meta, could soon offer users paid plans without advertising, especially in France. This would help address the European Union’s growing concerns about consumer privacy. This initiative, which has not yet been finalized, but which is relayed by our colleagues from the New York Timescomes after the fine imposed by the EU on Meta last May (1.2 billion euros) for the transfer of data of citizens of the zone to servers installed in the United States.

Meta explores the possibility of a paid offer to satisfy European regulators

The arrival of an offer without advertising would mark a significant change for Meta, which has offered free social networks since its creation, admittedly financed by advertising and data collection. But the introduction of such a paid option will not put an end to this model, since it will only constitute an alternative stamped with the seal of confidentiality.

And, although little precise information is yet known, whether on the launch or the cost of these paid offers without advertising, internal sources believe that this option could help calm the concerns of European regulators.

The decision highlights the ever-widening divide between technology practices in the United States and Europe, where privacy regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) are increasingly stringent. . We must not forget that in addition to the 1.2 billion euro fine we were talking about, Mark Zuckerberg’s firm was already fined 265 million euros last year in Ireland for enabling the retrieval and online publication of sensitive data belonging to millions of Facebook users. And the DSA has just arrived.

The giant, stuffed with advertising, seeks a better balance in its commercial practices

Either way, this strategic shift that Meta appears to be making indicates that the tech giants have come to grips with the importance of compliance with European Union digital regulations. That ” suggests they remain beholden to governments, not the other way around ”, explains the professor of law at the university of Columbia Anu Bradford to the New York Times.

While continuing to generate significant revenue from advertising, Meta seeks to balance its business practices to provide more privacy to its hundreds of millions of users. The possibility of paid plans without advertising would provide an undoubtedly attractive alternative to users concerned about preserving their privacy. It remains to be seen how much the juggernaut will estimate this greater confidentiality.

Remember that Facebook and Instagram already offer a first paid offer, with the blue Meta Verified verification badge. This, billed between 13.99 and 16.99 euros per month, grants other advantages than the badge, such as reinforced security protection, access to a help desk, or exclusive stickers for Stories. and Reals. But it does not exempt users from advertising.

Source : New York Times