EU Watchdog to Decide on Meta's 'Pay for Privacy' Scheme

The European Data Protection Board is set to issue a decision on Meta's controversial subscription model that allows users to pay for privacy, amid widespread criticism from civil rights groups.

• Since November 2023, Meta has offered European users of Facebook and Instagram the option to pay a monthly fee to avoid data tracking for targeted advertising.
• Civil rights organizations, including NOYB and the Irish Council for Civil Liberties, have urged the EDPB to reject Meta's 'pay for privacy' model, arguing it violates EU law.
• Meta's subscription fees are 9.99 euros per month on the web and 12.99 euros on mobile platforms, framing privacy as a paid service.
• Complaints have been filed in Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, and Norway, challenging the legality of Meta's approach under the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
• The EDPB's upcoming decision could set a precedent for online privacy and the acceptability of 'consent or pay' models in the digital economy.

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