lucadelladora – Meta will soon allow Facebook and Instagram users in the European Union to limit data sharing and personalized advertising. The European Commission announced the rollout will begin in January 2026. According to the commission, this is the first time Meta users in the EU will have such a clear choice. Users can either consent to share all their personal data for fully personalized ads or opt to share less data for a more limited. Less targeted advertising experience.
Read More : Resident Evil Requiem Reveals Hero in Latest Trailer
The change comes after the European Commission fined Meta €200 million over its ad-free subscription model. Which regulators called a “consent or pay” approach. Meta introduced these ad-free subscriptions to EU users in 2023 and later reduced the price following regulatory criticism. However, these subscriptions have not gained significant traction. With one Meta executive admitting there has been “very little interest” from users.
The commission emphasized that this update aims to give users meaningful control over their personal information while maintaining transparency in ad targeting. Users choosing limited personalization may see fewer tailored recommendations but will still access the platforms normally.
This adjustment reflects a broader trend across the EU toward giving users greater control over their online data. Meta’s initiative aligns with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) principles, reinforcing user rights and consent management.
Economic and Regulatory Implications of Meta’s New Policy
Meta has highlighted the economic importance of personalized advertising in Europe. The company stated that last year, its ads contributed to €213 billion in economic activity and supported approximately 1.44 million jobs across the EU. Personalized ads play a significant role for businesses, especially small and medium enterprises, enabling effective targeting and revenue growth.
While the rollout aims to comply with regulatory standards, Meta acknowledged the European Commission’s concerns and committed to implementing the changes responsibly. Users in the EU will have clear control over data sharing decisions, balancing privacy with platform experience.
This update could influence broader tech and regulatory trends. Other social media platforms may adopt similar approaches to meet European regulations while maintaining ad revenue. It also highlights ongoing tensions between digital privacy enforcement and economic considerations for global technology companies.
As the rollout begins in January, EU users will have their first opportunity to actively manage how their data is used for personalized advertising. The decision could reshape engagement patterns on Facebook and Instagram while providing insight into user preferences for privacy versus ad personalization.
