Meta considers charging for ad-free Facebook and Instagram in the UK

Facebook and Instagram owner Meta is considering a paid subscription in the UK which would remove adverts from its platforms.

Under the plans, people using the social media sites could be asked to pay for an ad-free experience if they do not want their data to be tracked.

It comes as the company agreed to stop targeting ads at a British woman last week following a protracted legal battle.

Meta already provides ad-free subscriptions for Facebook and Instagram users in the EU, starting from €5.99 (£5) a month.

A spokesperson for the firm said the company was "exploring the option" of offering a similar service in the UK.

They said the firm was "engaging constructively" with the UK data watchdog about the subscription service, following a consultation in 2024.

The Information Commissioner's Office previously said it expected Meta to consider data protection concerns before it launched an ad-free subscription.

Meta says personalised advertising allows its platforms to be free at the point of access.

Guidance issued by the regulator in January states that users must be presented with a genuine free choice.

Social media platforms such as Meta heavily rely on ad revenues, and the company says personalised advertising allows its platforms to be free.

Advertising accounted for more than 96% of its revenue in its latest quarterly financial results.

Other social platforms including Snapchat, TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) have also looked to ad-free options as a way to raise more money through subscriptions.