Facebook and Instagram have launched ad-free subscription offerings for most of Europe, enabling users to opt for a €9.99 (£8.72) per month plan that removes advertisements from these Meta-owned platforms. It’s important to note that this service will not be available in the UK. The decision to introduce this subscription option follows Meta’s €390 million fine for violating EU data regulations pertaining to ads.

The ad-free subscription package is exclusively designed for individuals within the EU, European Economic Area, and Switzerland, commencing from November. Initially, this feature will be accessible only to users aged 18 and above, as the company is actively exploring strategies to deliver ads to younger users in compliance with the established rules and regulations.

This subscription allows users to have an ad-free experience and choose to opt out of targeted ads, although it comes with some additional costs when paid for through iOS or Android platforms. Users can avoid these supplementary charges by opting for the subscription through the official Facebook and Instagram websites.

As of March 2024, users will also need to pay extra for multiple accounts on these platforms. This development comes after Elon Musk’s X, formerly known as Twitter, introduced a premium ad-free service priced at £16 per month. Furthermore, it is in line with the trend of social media platforms exploring various subscription models, including those that remove ads, as they aim to provide users with more choices while respecting evolving European regulations.