Social media platforms Facebook and Instagram are used well worldwide. 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 use Facebook and Instagram. Actually, Facebook and Instagram users are now being given the option of advertising version in Britain. Meta has announced that people who want to avoid advertisements while scrolling on social media can avail this service 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 pay £ 2.99 per month and mobile users £ 3.99 per month. If users have linked Facebook and Instagram accounts, then they have to take only one subscription. Meta says, “Residents of Britain will now be able to choose Facebook and Instagram for free use and viewing advertising, or buying subscriptions for advertising experience.”
Britain’s stance is different from Europe
The European Union had earlier fined Meta for 20 million euros for violating the Digital Bazaar Act. The European Union had said that the company should introduce a free version that would use low data (such as age, gender and location). In contrast, Britain’s Information Commissioner Office (ICO) is welcoming the move. ICO says this change shows that the use of Facebook and Instagram will now be separated from the compulsion 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 compromised in a case associated with human rights activist Tanya O’Karell, who accused the company of using their data without their consent. After the agreement, Meta indicated that it would move towards advertising subscription, and the company has now officially launched the initiative.
Growing difference between UK-EU
According to Gareth Oldel, partner of the UK law firm TLT, the ICO’s stance clearly reflects the Government of UK to promote digital economy and commercial growth. He says that this decision has deepened the differences in the UK and EU’s perspectives towards data security and digital regulation. Now, UK’s Facebook and Instagram users have the option to see advertisements for free or enjoy an advertising experience by spending a few pounds per month. This change provides new features to users, as well as this data in relation to privacy and regulation also highlights the increasing diversity of rules for companies in different parts of the world.
