Social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram are used extensively all over the world. People use these platforms for everything, from entertainment to connecting friends. Till now these platforms were completely free. But now it is not so, now you have to pay every month to run Facebook and Instagram. Yes, in fact, Facebook and Instagram users in Britain are now being given the option of advertising version. Meta has announced that people who want to get rid of advertisements while scrolling on social media will be able to do this by giving £ 3.99 (about ₹ 400) per month.
Why was the advertising version launched?
Meta has been facing regulatory pressure for a long time. The company was accused of using private data from users to show personal advertisements. Amidst this criticism, Meta has introduced a subscription model. Under this scheme, web users will have to pay £ 2.99 per month, mobile users will have to pay £ 3.99 per month. If the user has accounts related to Facebook and Instagram, they will have to take only one subscription. Meta says, “People in Britain will now be able to choose from two options: either use Facebook-Instagram for free and see advertisement, or get advertising experience by taking subscriptions.”
Britain’s attitude towards Europe is different.
The European Union had already fined Meta for violation of the Digital Bazaar Act. The European Union had said that the company should introduce a free version that would use low data (eg age, gender and location). In contrast, Britain’s Information Commissioner Office (ICO) is welcoming the move. ICO says that this change shows that it will no longer be necessary to use Facebook and Instagram to see the advertisement.
Dispute on data privacy in Britain
This year ICO clarified that internet users should have the right to prevent their data from being used for advertising. Meanwhile, Meta settled a case associated with human rights activist Tanya O’carol, who accused the company of using their data without their consent. After the agreement, Meta indicated that it would move towards an advertising subscription and now the company has officially launched it.
Growing difference between Britain-European Union
According to Gareth Oldel, partner of Britain’s law firm TLT, the ICO clearly shows that the British government wants to promote digital economy and commercial growth. He says that this decision deepens the gap between Britain and the European Union in terms of data security and digital regulation.
UK’s Facebook and Instagram users now have the option to scroll free with advertisements or enjoy an advertising experience by giving a few pounds every month. While this change has brought new features for users, it also shows that different rules are being made for companies in different parts of the world regarding data privacy and regulation.
