The owners of Facebook and Instagram are contemplating the possibility of charging UK users for an ad-free version of the platform following an agreement on a landmark privacy case payment.
Meta, led by Mark Zuckerberg, has agreed to stop targeting users with personalized advertising after reaching a legal settlement in the London High Court, thus avoiding a trial.
In 2022, human rights activist Tanya O’Carroll filed a lawsuit against the trillion-dollar company, alleging that Facebook violated UK data laws by disregarding her right to opt out of data collection for targeted advertising purposes.
O’Carroll expressed satisfaction after both parties resolved the lawsuit, with Meta committing to ending the practice of targeting her with tailored ads based on her personal data. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), a UK data watchdog, supported O’Carroll’s position, emphasizing people’s right to object to the use of their personal information for direct marketing.
O’Carroll believes that the ICO’s stance, as disclosed in its filing in the high court, could set a precedent for similar legal actions.
“This settlement is not just a win for me, but for all those who value their fundamental right to privacy,” O’Carroll stated. “None of us consented to being bombarded with years of surveillance ads.”
Meta has stated its firm opposition to O’Carroll’s claims and emphasized its compliance with the UK’s privacy law GDPR. The company is considering introducing subscription services in the UK, where users would pay to access ad-free services. Advertising currently contributes to about 98% of Meta’s revenue.
“We are exploring the possibility of offering subscriptions to users in the UK and will provide more details soon,” Meta announced.
Last year, the ICO indicated that it was assessing how UK data protection laws apply to ad-free subscription services.
In the EU, Meta already offers ad-free services for 7.99 euros per month following a ruling by the European Court of Justice.
Source: www.theguardian.com
