Please answer 3 questions with 3-5 sentences.
Question #1: If you lived in one of the EU countries, which option would you choose?
Question #2: Do you agree with what Meta is proposing? Why or Why not?
Question #3: Do you believe Facebook is dying? What about WhatsApp and Instagram?
Then do classmate replies: (3-5 sentences)
Classmate 1: Hello Shandy! You did an excellent job on your presentation. I enjoyed hearing your summary of the articles about Meta Plans To Charge Up To $14/Month For Ad-Free Instagram In Europe. The article analyzed how Meta, formerly known as Facebook plans to charge up to $14 per month for their ad-free Instagram in the European Union in response to the EU regulators’ privacy demands. In addition, I found very interesting that this subscription model aims to offset Meta’s ad revenue losses that was caused by strict privacy regulations and rules in the EU. Additionally, I can clearly tell how passionate you are about Meta Plans To Charge Up To $14/Month For Ad-Free Instagram In Europe because you also mentioned that this unlikely to happen in the US since Mark Zuckerberg already introduced a paid verification subscription called Meta Verified. Furthermore, having a powerpoint made it very easy to follow because it was very clear to understand. In conclusion, after viewing your presentation and reading the articles that you provided, I found that due to the EU introducing new privacy regulations and rules that Meta responded with ad free subscription options for both the Facebook and Instagram platform which overall highlights the challenges within the digital advertising business environment. Down below are my answers to your three discussion questions from your presentation.
Question #1: If you lived in one of the EU countries, which option would you choose?
Personally, if I lived in one of the EU countries and I had the choice between paying for an ad free version of Instagram vs continuing using the free version with ads I would choose the option to pay a monthly subscription fee for an ad-free experience on Instagram and Facebook because it truly has its unique advantages and benefits. For example, I believe that paying a monthly subscription fee for an ad-free experience would reduce distractions by eliminating unwanted ads from my personal social media feed. In addition, I would opt for the ad-free subscription that cost $14 per month because I wouldn’t have to deal with being bombarded with numerous ads and I would be able to have a distraction-free environment to enjoy my content in peace.
Question #2: Do you agree with what Meta is proposing? Why or Why not?
Personally, I believe that Meta’s decision to charge for an ad-free version in response to EU privacy regulations and rules makes sense from a business standpoint. For example, Meta is adapting their company in order to comply with the new regulatory requirements. Again, I believe that paying a monthly subscription fee for an ad-free experience would reduce distractions by eliminating unwanted ads from my personal social media feed. Additionally, I would opt for the ad-free subscription that cost $14 per month because I wouldn’t have to deal with being bombarded with numerous ads and I would be able to have a distraction-free environment to enjoy my content in peace. Furthermore, I agree with Meta’s proposal because they responded quickly to privacy regulations by offering and providing their customers with an ad-free option.
Question #3: Do you believe Facebook is dying? What about WhatsApp and Instagram?
Personally, I believe that Facebook is dying even though the platform is widely used by billions of users worldwide. For example, over the years Facebook’s user base has shifted over the years since many younger users have switched to Instagram and TikTok. As of today, Facebook still maintains a large user base that predominately has older users. In addition, Facebook is dying due to competition from other platforms such as TikTok. Instagram continues to thrive as a social media platform because it is very popular among younger users. In addition, Instagram has also been able to compete against the major social media giant TikTok. Additionally, WhatsApp is very popular among users due to secure messaging communication all around the world. In conclusion, over the years, Meta has undergone a remarkable company transformation / rebranding and expanded their horizons beyond traditional social media platforms. Furthermore, Meta has had several notable strategic acquisitions, which include Instagram and WhatsApp which has helped push the company Meta into diverse technology industry. Meta’s recent rebranding and their new focus on the metaverse has indicated that the company is looking to transform their company way beyond a traditional social media platform. Meta continues to explore new technologies and experiences, which supports their overall effort to adapt and innovate in today’s world.
Classmate 2: Hello Shandy,
I thought your explanation of recent events was fantastic. You did a great job of summarizing the article by emphasizing all the essential information, and your PowerPoint presentation made it easy for me to follow along with what you were talking about. Your chosen article about Meta Plans charging up to $14/Month for Ad-Free Instagram in Europe was a fascinating topic.
1. If you lived in one of the EU countries, which option would you choose? If I lived in one of the EU countries, I would not pay for the Meta Plan to get ad-free Instagram or Facebook. I don’t have a Facebook account, nor am I interested in getting one. On the other hand, I have Instagram, but I barely use the app nowadays. I don’t have anything to hide. All I do is scroll through social media, like my friend’s, or a random post, and that’s pretty much it, so I don’t need to pay to use these social media platforms not to receive ads for privacy reasons. I am okay with them knowing the posts I like, shopping activities, or what I usually stream. I sometimes feel that if they know what I want, they give me ads for things I could be interested in. However, I see why many people are uncomfortable with social media platforms tracking what they do or giving them ads, which could be considered an invasion of privacy.
2. Do you agree with what Meta is proposing? Why or Why not? In a sense, I agree with what Meta is offering. I used to strongly believe that social media should allow people to choose whether they want ads without paying for that kind of thing. However, as you mentioned, social media is a massive deal in the 21st century, and technology will continue to advance. I consider social media as a world where businesses and people can easily advertise and show their products—so making social media a place where people must pay a monthly subscription not to have ads can cause great harm in the business world. Many people look forward to learning and finding new things on social media. For instance, TikTok is known for showing products that people didn’t even know existed, and it gets cleaned off of shelves once the product goes viral. Although social media has a few negatives concerning privacy, we can’t deny how easy it is for companies to advertise their services and products to any part of the world without too much of a hassle. Social media platforms also make most of their money from allowing business or influencers to post their ads on their platforms. So, in this sense, I agree with what Meta is proposing when charging those who don’t want ads on the Meta social media platforms. Overall, paying for social media or not, there will still be surveillance to an extent, and people’s information won’t be completely private. I think it is essential that users are careful with what they say or do on social media and use it properly, and there won’t be any problems.
3. Do you believe Facebook is dying? What about WhatsApp and Instagram? In my opinion, Facebook is slowly dying. As you mentioned, Facebook was a big deal for those part of the Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Millennials. However, as those generations continue to age, they will slow down on their usage of Facebook. They will still use it to find products and services, but I feel like they won’t post as much or scroll through Facebook for fewer hours than before. I don’t think WhatsApp is dying because all current generations continue to use it. Since WhatsApp allows users to send messages to anybody globally for free, it is widely used globally to connect with loved ones or even to other businesses (internationally) easily. Due to the ability to send calls and texts via Wi-Fi, WhatsApp may be utilized without a data connection. As you stated, WhatsApp allows people to communicate with anyone anywhere in the world without restrictions, without having to pay for prepaid calling cards, pay extra to set up international calls into their phone plans, and not worry about going over a time limit. On top of these benefits, many people love how WhatsApp is more secure than texting and other messaging applications because of its end-to-end encryption. It is clear that many people are now focusing on their privacy more than ever, so it is not a shock that WhatsApp continues to be so popular. Lastly, I believe that Instagram is still strong, especially for Millennials, Gen Z, and Generation Alpha. People still love posting on Instagram, especially their stories; however, I feel like people aren’t engaging as much as before, like not many people like or comment on every post they see, unlike before. I think this is because of TikTok. I feel like more people are scrolling for more hours, liking and commenting, and using this application the most overall.
Meta Plans To Charge Up To $14/Month For Ad-Free Instagram In Europe
Shandy Gonzalez
1
Who and What is Meta?
Meta Platforms, originally known as Facebook, was founded by Mark Zuckerberg and several of his peers from Harvard University in 2004.
It started as an exclusive social media between Harvard student to then anyone around the world with an email could have it.
In 2012, Facebook went public and was valued with an initial public offering (IPO) of 100 billion dollars.
Facebook then bought Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014.
In October 2021, Facebook announced that it was rebranding as Meta Platforms, as part of its new focus on building the metaverse.
including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus VR.
WHO & WHAT IS META?
Meta Platforms, originally was known as Facebook, was founded by Mark Zuckerberg and several of his peers from Harvard University in 2004.
It started as an exclusive social media between Harvard student, but eventually expanded to other universities and high schoolers in the U.S./Canada, then to anyone around the world with an email could have it.
In 2012, Facebook went public and was valued with an initial public offering (IPO) of 100 billion dollars.
Facebook then bought Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014. This helped the company expand its reach and capabilities and avoiding more competition from social media.
Facebook announced in October 2021 that it was rebranding its name to Meta Platforms to be part of its new goal of achieving the metaverse. The change was meant to represent the company’s new focus on building a more interactive, digital experience. Since then, the business has kept up its significant investment in virtual developments and augmented reality technologies to advance the metaverse, a.k.a Meta for short.
2
Meta Plans To Charge Up To $14/Month For Ad-Free Instagram In the European Union (EU)
In the European Union there are 27 countries (Austria, France, Spain, Sweden, Germany, Netherlands, Bulgaria , Greece, Poland, Croatia, Hungary, Portugal, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania, Czech Republic, Italy, Slovakia, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Lithuania, Malta, Belgium, Finland, Luxembourg).
Meta is debating a proposal to charge those in the European Union, who would like to continue to use Instagram and Facebook a monthly subscription (without Ads).
Facebook will be close to $17 per month and $14 per month for Instagram.
Meta’s policy is in reaction to privacy of the EU regulators’ demands that the business obtain users’ permission before advertising in their feeds.
Meta Plans To Charge Up To $14/Month For Ad-Free Instagram In Europe
In the European Union there are 27 countries (Austria, France, Spain, Sweden, Germany, Netherlands, Bulgaria, Greece, Poland, Croatia, Hungary, Portugal, Cyprus, Ireland, Romania, Czech Republic, Italy, Slovakia, Denmark, Latvia, Slovenia, Estonia, Lithuania, Malta, Belgium, Finland, Luxembourg)
The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday (October 2nd of 2023), that Meta is debating a proposal to charge those in the European Union, who would like to continue to use Instagram and Facebook a monthly subscription to access the social media networks without ADs.
According to the claim given to the European regulators recently, the price for Facebook will be close to $17 per month and $14 per month for Instagram.
Meta’s policy is in reaction to privacy of the EU regulators’ demands that the business obtain users’ permission before advertising in their feeds
3
Continued…
The EU regulators think it is excessively.
Meta will begin implementing the “subscription no ads,” or SNA, plan in the upcoming months.
It is unlikely that Meta would adopt SNA in the U.S. because the privacy regulations do not apply here.
In February 2023, Mark Zuckerberg announced a paid verification subscription called “Meta Verified” for their user in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, who are at least 18 years old. Users need to use their real names that match their government ID.
Since it is unclear whether EU regulators will recommend a new proposal with EU rules, this suggested subscription arrangement may potentially change.
CONTINUED
The EU regulators are worried that the prices in Meta’s proposal are excessively high for most consumers.
Meta has discussed its plan with privacy officials in Ireland, digital trade regulators in Brussels, and other EU privacy regulator states. The corporation will begin implementing the “subscription no ads,” or SNA, plan in the upcoming months.
It is unlikely that Meta would adopt SNA in the U.S. because the privacy regulations do not apply here. In February 2023, Mark Zuckerberg announced a paid verification subscription called “Meta Verified” for their user in the United States, Australia, and New Zealand, who are at least 18 years old. Users need to use their real names that match their government ID.
Since it is unclear whether EU regulators will recommend a new proposal with EU rules, this suggested subscription arrangement may potentially change.
4
Why?
The business model of Meta heavily depends on showing advertisements on users feed, but over the past few years, the pressure has been growing on this strategy.
In 2021, Apple made it possible for users to reject ad-tracking, a shift that Meta estimated would cost the company $10 billion in lost revenue.
The use of the membership is the most recent example of how Europe’s strict regulatory framework is pressuring digital firms to significantly alter their business models.
European authorities fined Meta $1.3 billion in May for violation of data privacy laws, and the business also delayed the introduction of its Twitter rival Threads in Europe due to uncertainty in regulations.
But they “continue to investigate options to make sure [they] comply with evolving regulatory requirements.”
Why?
The business model of Meta heavily depends on showing advertisements on users feed, but over the past few years, the pressure has been growing on this strategy.
In 2021, Apple made it possible for users to reject ad-tracking, which is a shift that Meta estimated would cost the company $10 billion in lost revenue.
The use of the membership is the most recent example of how Europe’s strict regulatory framework is pressuring digital firms to significantly alter their business models.
European authorities fined Meta $1.3 billion in May for violation of data privacy laws, and the business also delayed the introduction of its Twitter rival Threads in Europe due to uncertainty in regulations.
But they “continue to investigate options to make sure [they] comply with evolving regulatory requirements.”
5
My Thoughts
I found this article super interesting since social media is a huge deal in the 21st century and technology will continue to advance, therefore there will be many other brilliant ideas to be announced. A lot of people mention how Facebook is dying out since it was a big deal for those part of the Baby Bloomers, Generation X, and Millennials. To then have Instagram the next big thing for the generation z and WhatsApp became a huge deal all around the world. Making it easy to talk to loved ones across the world for free and unlimited vs (without having to prepay card and have limited time). All you need is internet or Wi-Fi and a phone number. They did it to stay relevant and take away competition. Which makes sense why Facebook bought Instagram and WhatsApp.
Companies can use this information to either apply it to their application / website, so they won’t lose that revenue due to the EU regulations nor get fined. These free apps make their money from companies or users that pay them to promote their content, product, or business. It is basically a way to compromise for those who have issues with privacy concerns or do not want to see all the ads and a way for a company to still benefit even if you choose to utilize their free or subscription option. Many websites either have a subscription or Ads.
Why is this article interesting & how can other companies use the information presented in the article?
I found this article super interesting since social media is a huge deal in the 21st century and technology will continue to advance, therefore there will be many other brilliant ideas to be announced. A lot of people mention how Facebook is dying out since it was a big deal for those part of the baby bloomers, generation x, and millennials. To then have Instagram the next big thing for the generation z and WhatsApp became a huge deal all around the world. Making it easy to talk to loved ones across the world for free and unlimited vs (without having to prepay card and have limited time). All you need is internet or Wi-Fi and a phone number. They did it to stay relevant and take away competition. Which makes sense why Facebook bought Instagram and WhatsApp.
Companies can use this information to either apply it to their application / website, so they won’t lose that revenue due to the EU regulations nor get fined. These free apps make their money from companies or users that pay them to promote their content, product, or business. It is basically a way to compromise for those who have issues with privacy concerns or do not want to see all the ads and a way for a company to still benefit even if you choose to utilize their free or subscription option.
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3 Questions For You
If you lived in one of the EU countries, which option would you choose?
Do you agree with what Meta is proposing? Why or Why not?
Do you believe Facebook is dying? What about WhatsApp and Instagram?
Works Cited
Marinho, Helder. “Meta Plans to Charge up to $14/Month for Ad-Free Instagram in Europe.” International Business Times, International Business Times, 3 Oct. 2023, www.ibtimes.com/meta-plans-charge-14- month-ad-free-instagram-europe-3713897.
Samschechner. “WSJ News Exclusive | Meta Plans to Charge $14 a Month for Ad-Free Instagram or Facebook.” The Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones & Company, 3 Oct. 2023, www.wsj.com/tech/meta- floats-charging-14-a-month-for-ad-free-instagram-or-facebook-5dbaf4d5.
TBH, Team. “From Facebook to Meta: The Journey of Meta Platforms.” The Brand Hopper, 24 Mar. 2023, thebrandhopper.com/2023/03/24/from-facebook-to-meta-the-journey-of-metaplatforms/#:~: text=Meta%20Platforms%2C%20formerly%20known%20as%20Facebook%2C%20was%20founde d%20by%20Mark,anyone%20with%20an%20email%20address.
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