If you don't want your data tracked, you may have to pay to avoid ads. In the EU, this option starts at €5.99 (£5) per month.
According to Meta, personalized ads are the reason why their platforms are free to use. But according to the UK data watchdog, users should have genuine free choice.
"Consent or Pay" Model
It's not just Meta that's doing this. Other social media like TikTok, X (Twitter) and Snapchat, as well as news sites like The Guardian and Daily Mirror, are already using the "consent or pay" model.
But according to the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office), it must be ensured that this system in the UK is legal and fair.
Will This Work in the UK?
In the EU, there is an ad-free subscription starting October 2023, but according to social media expert Matt Navarra, few people are paying.
"Most people would rather use their data than spend it," he said. For Meta, this seems to be a preparation in case data privacy regulations get worse.
So, would you choose privacy over payment, or are ads okay?
