EU Challenges Meta's 'Pay or Consent' Ad Model Under Digital Markets Act

European regulators argue Meta's subscription-based ad policy breaches user data rights and fails to comply with antitrust laws.

Meta's ad-free subscription costs €9.99 per month on web and €12.99 on mobile devices.
The European Commission claims the model does not offer a less data-intensive service option.
Privacy advocates and consumer groups have filed multiple complaints against Meta's policy.
Meta defends its model, stating it aligns with European court rulings and the Digital Markets Act.
The investigation is expected to conclude within 12 months, alongside probes into Apple and Alphabet.