Meta has officially confirmed its decision to introduce a subscription plan for ad-free access to Instagram and Facebook for users in the European Union, EEA, and Switzerland. This move comes a few weeks after Meta first considered the idea, amidst regulatory pressure from the EU regarding the company’s ad targeting and data gathering practices.
The subscription plan is priced at €9.99 per month for web users, while iOS and Android users will have to pay €12.99 per month. Users who opt not to subscribe can still use the services for free, but will continue to see targeted ads.
Until March 1, 2024, the initial subscription will cover all linked accounts in a user’s Accounts Center. However, from March 1, 2024, an additional fee of €6 per month for web users and €8 per month for iOS and Android users will be charged for each extra account listed in a user’s Account Center.
Hah, yeah. Like others, I already use uBlock, and I don’t really use Facebook any more. On the other hand, I’m worried about the social implications of not using FB and Messenger. I’ve been planning to move to secure messaging apps, but it almost feels like you’re not a human if you don’t have FB. In that regard, I found switching my email provider easier. But I’ll remove my account eventually, more likely sooner than later.
I assure you, life persists post-social media :) I quit almost a decade ago and felt no difference. Same friends. Same events
Yep. I never got into the facebook thing (tried and failed to enjoy it enough to continue) and people get really sodding rude about the choice. Even suggesting using eMail or Telegram for communication leads to mild abuse at best. It is possible to live without Facebook, it just isn’t very easy, and people see it as a licence to be rude. Seeing as inside facebook they are rude also, I don’t feel I’m missing much, and it has led to a better life for me long term.