Facebook and Instagram users in Europe could get ad-free subscription option, WSJ reports
London (AP): Meta plans to give Facebook and Instagram users in Europe the option of paying for ad-free versions of the social media platforms as a way to comply with the continent's strict data privacy rules, the Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday.
The company wants to charge users about 10 euros (USD 10.50) a month to use Instagram or Facebook without ads on desktop browsers, the newspaper reported, citing unnamed people familiar with the proposal. Adding more accounts would cost 6 euros each.
Prices for mobile would be higher, at roughly 13 euros a month, because Meta needs to account for commissions charged by the Apple and Google app stores on in-app payments, the newspaper said.
Meta reportedly is hoping to roll out paid subscriptions in the coming months as a way to comply with European Union data privacy rules that threaten its lucrative business model of showing personalised ads to users.
Meta would give users the choice between continuing to use the platforms with ads or paying for the ad-free version, the WSJ said.
"Meta believes in the value of free services which are supported by personalised ads," the company said in a statement to The Associated Press. "However, we continue to explore options to ensure we comply with evolving regulatory requirements. We have nothing further to share at this time."
The EU's top court said in July that Meta must first get consent before showing ads to users a ruling that jeopardises the company's ability to make money by tailoring advertisements for individual users based on their online interests and digital activity.
It's not clear if EU regulators will sign off on the plan or insist that the company offer cheaper versions. The newspaper said one issue regulators have is whether the proposed fees will be too expensive for most people who don't want to be targeted by ads.
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Condolences pour in, Pope Francis remembered as Gaza’s friend, voice of conscience
Vatican City: Pope Francis, the Roman Catholic Church's first Latin American leader, died on Monday at the age of 88. His final public remarks, delivered on Easter Sunday, included a call for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and humanitarian aid for those caught in conflict, especially those “starving” for peace.
His death came as a surprise to many. The previous day, he had appeared to be in good health, waving to crowds from the popemobile in St. Peter’s Square.
In Gaza, his death has been described as a significant loss. He maintained regular communication with the Roman Catholic community in the region during the ongoing conflict. According to Reverend Gabriel Romanelli, the parish priest at the Church of the Holy Family in Gaza, the Pope called every evening at 8 p.m. Gaza time, even during his own hospitalisation, to offer prayers and moral support.
Romanelli confirmed these details to Vatican News.
Public tributes have come in from various figures around the world. Activist and author Fatima Bhutto said, “Pope Francis was the only public figure of conscience and compassion we had. The world is morally poorer without him. Even as he breathed his last breath, he spoke out for Gaza and called the parish daily to offer what comfort he could to Palestinians. I loved him and will pray for him.”
Pastor Munther Isaac from Bethlehem said, “Palestinians, and Palestinian Christians in particular, have lost a dear friend today. Pope Francis was beloved in Palestine… His pastoral heart was evident in his insistence on calling the Christian community besieged in Gaza on a constant basis, even from his hospital.”
Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari noted that the Pope had called for a Gaza ceasefire in his final address. British peer Meral Hussein said, “His calls for a Gaza ceasefire were something he consistently called for, while ignored by Biden and other Christian leaders around the world.”
Indian journalist Rana Ayyub referred to him as “a shepherd who carried Gaza in his prayers and Sudan in his heart,” adding, “Even in his final days, he spoke for the broken, the bombed, and the forgotten. A holy soul now at rest but still walking with the wounded. The world is a lesser place today.”
Tributes also appeared across social media. One user wrote, “As an atheist, the passing of Pope Francis still hits me. He embraced everyone, broke barriers, and stood for love, freedom and inclusion—things the whole world needs more of.”
Another post read, “Gaza has lost a friend this morning. Even before his death, he still urged for a ceasefire in Gaza. Rest easy, Pope.”
Other online users described him as “a towering mortal giant in a time of evil and cowardice,” and said, “He called the situation in Gaza what it was: a slaughter, a terror, a betrayal of humanity. He spoke for the children bombed, the families destroyed, and the people of Palestine.”
In his final Easter message, the Pope said, “There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and respect for the views of others.”
