Facebook and Instagram: The social media platforms Facebook and Instagram are widely used around the world. People use these platforms for everything from entertainment to connecting with friends.

Facebook and Instagram: The social media platforms Facebook and Instagram are widely used worldwide. People use these platforms for everything from entertainment to connecting with friends. Until now, these platforms were completely free. But that's no longer the case; you'll now have to pay monthly to use Facebook and Instagram.

Yes, in fact, Facebook and Instagram users in the UK are now being offered the option of an ad-free version. Meta has announced that those who want to get rid of ads while scrolling through social media can avail the service for £3.99 (approximately ₹400) per month.

Why was the ad-free version launched?

Meta has long faced regulatory pressure. The company was accused of using users' personal data to display personalized ads. Amid this criticism, Meta has introduced a subscription model. Under this plan, web users will pay £2.99 per month, and mobile users will pay £3.99 per month. If users have linked Facebook and Instagram accounts, they will only need a single subscription.

Meta says, “People in the UK will now be able to choose between using Facebook and Instagram for free and seeing ads, or subscribing to an ad-free experience.”

The UK's stance away from Europe

The European Union had already fined Meta 200 million euros for violating the Digital Markets Act. The EU said the company should offer a free version that uses less data (such as age, gender, and location).

In contrast, the UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is welcoming the move. The ICO says the change demonstrates that Facebook and Instagram will now be used independently of the compulsion to view advertising.

Controversy over data privacy in the UK

This year, the ICO clarified that internet users should have the right to prevent their data from being used for advertising. Meanwhile, Meta reached a settlement in a case involving a human rights activist named Tanya O'Carroll, who accused the company of using her data without her consent. Following the settlement, Meta indicated it would move towards ad-free subscriptions, and now the company has officially launched this initiative.

Widening gap between the UK and the EU

According to Gareth Oldale, partner at UK law firm TLT, the ICO's stance clearly demonstrates the UK government's desire to promote the digital economy and business growth. He says this decision further deepens the divergence between the UK and EU approaches to data protection and digital regulation.

Facebook and Instagram users in the UK now have the option to scroll through ads for free or enjoy an ad-free experience for a few pounds per month. While this change offers new convenience to users, it also highlights the different rules companies are facing in different parts of the world regarding data privacy and regulation.