Meta Looking To Launch Ad-Free Subscription Plan In India

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, is contemplating the launch of an ad-free subscription plan in India by 2024

According to a Mint report, this consideration comes as the tech giant is working to initiate a similar plan in the European Union (EU) to align with privacy regulations there. The tech giant aims to monetise its numerous platforms worldwide.

“While the firm is striving to comply with the newly enacted Digital Personal Data Privacy (DPDP) Act, there will be intensified discussions on the optimal ways to ensure full compliance with data protection regulations. A pilot for a paid, ad-free subscription option for users in India, following a trial in the EU, is likely to be rolled out in mid- or late-2024,” the person was quoted as saying.

The development comes in line with media reports from last week, which suggested that Meta would bring an ad-free subscription plan for Facebook and Instagram in the EU, starting with a $14 monthly subscription fee for using in ad-free version of Instagram.

Further, Meta plans to charge users $17 for desktop versions of Facebook and Instagram in the coming weeks, Wall Street Journal reported.

The tech giant’s recent shift towards a different approach to monetise its platforms comes after it was fined heavily for breaching EU’s privacy norms over data transfer for user-targeted ads.

While the Mark Zuckerberg-led conglomerate was fined €300 Mn by Ireland’s Data Privacy Commissioner earlier this year, Meta was fined another €1.2 Bn this May by the EU for breaching privacy laws that mandate appropriate measures for transferring data from the EU to the USA.

In response, Meta indicated that it would seek the consent of users in the EU before allowing businesses to aim targeted advertisements at them, aiming to meet evolving regulatory requirements in the region.

If it arrives in India, this would also be a second subscription offered by Meta. Currently, the tech giant offers premium services, which include receiving a verified badge for a monthly fee of INR 699. It is also a significant shift from Meta’s original business model of keeping its core services free and accessible.