Meta Platforms has announced significant changes to its services in the European Union, including a reduction in the price of ad-free subscriptions for Facebook and Instagram by 40%. Starting tomorrow, users can subscribe for €5.99 per month on the web or €7.99 on iOS and Android. Additional accounts will incur a charge of €4 per month on the web and €5 on mobile platforms.

The company is also introducing an option for less personalized ads for those who choose to use these services for free. This move comes in response to regulatory demands under GDPR and the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Meta states that while personalized advertising remains crucial, this new option will rely on limited data points such as age, location, gender, and session context.

Meta emphasizes that "personalized ads deliver more value for people and businesses," highlighting their importance for small businesses in Europe. The company reports that personalized ads contribute significantly to economic growth, with every euro spent yielding €3.79 in advertiser revenues.

These changes reflect Meta's compliance with EU regulations while maintaining its commitment to offering users control over their data. Users will be notified about these options through dismissible notifications before they become non-dismissible.

"Personalized ads are valuable to both individuals and businesses because they allow people to connect with the brands and products that are most relevant to them," according to Meta's statement.

Despite regulatory challenges, Meta continues advocating for an ad-supported internet model that provides free access to online services globally.