Facebook and Instagram Contemplating Monetized, Ad-Free Versions to Address European Privacy Worries

The New York Times has reported that Meta could introduce a paid, ad-free subscription option for Instagram and Facebook in Europe. The move aims to address European Union (EU) regulations that have impacted some of Meta's primary data-collection strategies. Meta revealed in April that 10% of its total revenue comes from advertising in the EU. 

The reported plan would represent a divergence from Meta's standard business model of a single, free platform funded through advertising and related data collection. While it is yet to be announced when the ad-free version will be launched or its cost, company sources believe its introduction could ease some concerns of European regulators. This development underscores how tech companies are starting to comply with EU digital regulations.