Meta is breaching EU consumer law by using unfair, deceptive and aggressive practices
The ad-free service cost 9.99 euros ($10.96) monthly for Web users and 12.99 euros for iOS and Android users.
Meta Platforms’ paid ad-free subscription service in Europe has sparked a consumer law complaint from Europe’s largest consumer group.
The European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) and 18 of its members filed a joint complaint to consumer protection authorities, alleging that Meta’s new service breaches EU consumer laws.
Meta referenced its blogpost on Oct. 30 when announcing the subscription.
The company stated, ”The option for people to purchase a subscription for no ads balances the requirements of European regulators while giving users choice and allowing Meta to continue serving all people in the EU, EEA and Switzerland.”
BEUC highlighted several concerns, stating that Meta’s practices are unfair, deceptive, and aggressive, including pressuring consumers to make quick decisions and providing misleading information.
BEUC also raised concerns that user data might still be collected and used for other purposes even if they choose the ad-free service. Additionally, the organization criticized the high subscription fee, suggesting that it could deter users.
According to BEUC, the high cost may lead consumers to agree to Meta’s tracking and profiling, ultimately contradicting the purpose of the ad-free service to protect privacy.
The ad-free service is priced at 9.99 euros ($10.96) per month for Web users and 12.99 euros for iOS and Android users, with Meta comparing these prices to premium services offered by Google’s YouTube, Spotify, and Netflix.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – Reuters)
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The complaint has been made against Meta Platforms by the European Consumer Organisation (BEUC) regarding the ad-free subscription service introduced in Europe. The BEUC, along with 18 of its members, filed a grievance to consumer protection authorities, alleging that Meta’s new service violates EU consumer laws. The organization raised concerns about the fairness, deceptive practices, and the high subscription fees, indicating that it could lead consumers to agree to tracking and profiling, which contradicts the purpose of the ad-free service. Meta has defended its subscription service, stating that it gives users the option to choose and complies with European regulations. However, the dispute highlights the ongoing debate over privacy and consumer rights in the digital age.
