seniorspectrumnewspaper – Meta will soon allow Facebook and Instagram users in the European Union to control how much personal data they share. The European Commission announced that this update will begin rolling out in January. For the first time, EU users can choose between fully personalized ads and sharing all their data or limiting data sharing for fewer personalized ads.
The European Commission emphasized that this change gives users an effective choice over their online experience. By sharing less data, users can reduce the level of personalized advertising displayed on their accounts. Meta has designed this feature to comply with EU regulations while maintaining user control over personal information.
This decision follows a €200 million fine imposed on Meta by the European Commission over its ad-free subscription plans. Regulators said these plans forced users to “consent or pay” for a service without ads. Meta introduced ad-free subscriptions for EU users in 2023 and later lowered the price in response to criticism. However, adoption of the plans has been limited, with one Meta executive noting very little user interest.
The upcoming change allows Meta to continue offering personalized ads while providing users with meaningful choices. Users in the EU will be able to decide whether they want a fully personalized experience or more privacy with fewer targeted ads. This reflects growing regulatory pressure to give users more control over digital advertising practices.
Economic Impact and User Control
Meta acknowledged the European Commission’s statement while highlighting the economic importance of personalized ads. A company spokesperson noted that personalized advertising supports 1.44 million jobs across the EU and generated €213 billion in economic activity last year.
The new data-sharing choice balances user privacy with the platform’s business model. EU users will be able to manage their data sharing without completely losing access to Facebook or Instagram features. This approach could set a precedent for other regions as governments increasingly focus on data privacy.
By offering this option, Meta aims to comply with EU regulations while maintaining trust with its users. Personalized ads will remain available for those who choose to share all their data, while users seeking more privacy can limit ad personalization.
The update demonstrates Meta’s attempt to address regulatory concerns and respond to public criticism. It also signals a shift toward giving users more control over their online experience. Over time, this approach may influence how social media companies handle data privacy and ad personalization globally, creating a more user-centric digital environment.
