Meta, the owner of Facebook and Instagram, is thinking about offering a paid subscription in the UK. This service would let users see their feeds without any ads. If people do not want ads and want to keep their data private, they may have to pay for this option.
Meta has already started an ad-freesubscription in Europe. The cost is about €5.99 (or £5) per month. A company representative said they are looking into a similar service for UK users and are talking to the UK’s data protection agency.
Many online services, like news sites, are also asking users to either pay or agree to be tracked while using free services. Some people think this is unfair, as they feel pressured to pay to avoid ads.
Meta may be trying to prepare for new rules about data protection by offering this choice. An expert said that many users in the UK would rather give up their data than pay money. For now, most people may continue to use these platforms for free, even if it means seeing ads.
Vocabulary List:
Subscription /səbˈskrɪp.ʃən/ (noun): An arrangement to receive something regularly typically a service or publication upon payment.
Ad-free /æd-friː/ (adjective): Free from advertisements.
Representative /ˌrɛprɪˈzɛntətɪv/ (noun): A person chosen to act or speak on behalf of others.
Tracking /træk.ɪŋ/ (noun): The process of monitoring and recording data about a user’s activities.
Pressure /ˈprɛʃ.ər/ (noun): The continuous physical force exerted on or against an object.
Protection /prəˈtɛk.ʃən/ (noun): The action of keeping someone or something safe from harm.
