The Wall Street Journal reports, based on insiders, that an additional 6 euros might be added if users also want to use the paid version of Instagram. According to the business newspaper, Meta has presented these plans to European regulators as part of a shift to comply with stricter privacy legislation.
These prices apply to the desktop versions. For the mobile apps of Facebook and Instagram, Meta would charge 13 euros per month, as the app stores of Google and Apple impose commissions. These rates were discussed in proposals presented by Meta to privacy regulators in Ireland and the European Union. Meta plans to keep the free versions available in the EU.
In the EU, Facebook and Instagram are subject to stricter rules regarding the collection of user data for displaying highly personalized advertisements, which is currently Meta’s main source of revenue. To satisfy regulators and maintain their own income, Meta could introduce this paid alternative. The New York Times had previously written about this idea earlier this month, but the prices were not known at the time.
Meta informed The Wall Street Journal that they are exploring options “to ensure that we comply with evolving regulations.” At the same time, the social media company believes in free services supported by personalized advertisements. The Irish Data Protection Commission, responsible for Meta within the EU due to its European headquarters in Ireland, has not yet responded. The European Commission was also not immediately available for comment to the business newspaper.