For those who yearn for the simple pleasure of scrolling in peace, Meta is now offering a solution in the UK. A new subscription service for Facebook and Instagram promises to deliver ad-free bliss, allowing users to browse friends’ updates and content without commercial interruption.
This digital tranquility can be purchased for a monthly price of £3.99 for mobile users and £2.99 for web users. The subscription ensures a serene, ad-free experience across a user’s linked accounts, transforming the feed from a bustling marketplace into a quieter, more personal space.
The UK’s data watchdog, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), has endorsed this path to peace. It has stated that offering a paid way to achieve an ad-free experience is a valid method for Meta to comply with UK laws that require an opt-out from personalised advertising.
However, the European Union has taken a different view on what constitutes a peaceful online environment. EU regulators fined Meta €200m for this model, arguing that a baseline level of privacy and freedom from pervasive tracking should be a universal right, not a paid-for luxury.
For UK users, the promise of scrolling in peace is now a tangible product. Meta is betting that the desire for a less cluttered and more private social media life is strong enough that millions will be willing to pay for it.