New Low Prices for Instagram and Facebook Subscriptions in Europe – Latest Tech Update
Meta’s lawyer, Timothy Lamb, recently made an announcement at a workshop held at the European Commission regarding the company’s plans to reduce the price of its ad-free subscription model. This decision is aimed at resolving the European Union’s (EU) investigation into how Meta utilizes users’ personal data.
Lamb revealed that Meta is willing to decrease the monthly ad-free subscription fee for Facebook and Instagram from 9.99 euros to 5.99 euros per month for a single account. Additionally, users will be charged 4 euros for each additional account they wish to add to the subscription.
“This offer represents the lower end of the spectrum in terms of what a reasonable person should pay for services of this quality,” Lamb expressed. He emphasized the seriousness of the offer by stating, “Regulatory uncertainty currently exists and needs to be swiftly addressed.”
The proposal made by Meta comes amidst ongoing scrutiny from European regulators regarding the company’s ad-free subscription model and data usage practices. Lamb clarified that Meta’s intention behind the offer is to expedite the regulatory process and demonstrate cooperation with authorities.
It is important to note that the subscription fee mentioned does not encompass any additional charges that users may incur if they choose to download the apps from platforms like Apple or Google.
Furthermore, in November 2023, the European Consumer Union (BEUC), a collective organization representing 45 consumer associations across Europe, formally lodged a complaint against Meta’s perceived unjust payment or consent model. This move by BEUC is a response to Meta’s introduction of subscriptions as a means to counteract potential revenue losses due to stricter EU regulations.
As Meta navigates the complexities of regulatory scrutiny and seeks to address concerns related to data usage, the company’s willingness to adjust its pricing strategy demonstrates a proactive approach in engaging with regulators and fostering transparency in its operations.
