Introduction to Ad-Free Subscription
Notifications from social media platforms are being sent to users, asking if they want to pay a monthly fee to use the platforms ad-free. The subscription costs £3.99 per month for app users and £2.99 for web users.
What You’re Paying For
The primary benefit of paying for the subscription is to get rid of personalized advertising. Users who opt for the paid subscription will no longer see ads on their feeds.
Cost and Fees
The cost of the subscription varies depending on how you access the platforms. App users will pay £3.99 per month, while web users will pay £2.99. The difference in cost is due to fees charged by Apple and Google as part of their purchasing policies. Additional accounts will be charged £2 per month for web and £3 per month for app.
Who Receives the Notifications
The notifications are being sent to UK users over the age of 18, informing them of the option to go ad-free. Users will receive the notification when they log in to their account or open the app. They can initially reject the notification but will need to select an option before they can continue using the platform.
What Happens if You Don’t Log In
If a user chooses not to log in or rejects the paid subscription, they will continue to see personalized ads. However, they can still set their advertising preferences in Settings to influence which ads they see and what data is used to select those ads.
Why the Subscription was Introduced
The introduction of the subscription comes after the UK’s data regulator published guidance for businesses on ad-free subscriptions. The move gives people a clear choice about whether their data is used for personalized advertising while preserving free access to the platforms. The "opt-in or pay" model allows digital platforms to generate revenue from users who refuse to be tracked across their services.
