Meta and GDPR: Adaptation for Social Media
Meta's message is clear and clear: they maintain their ideology of an ad-supported internet, accessible to all (Meta, 2023). However, in order to comply with the new European guidelines, a new subscription option is now being introduced in the EU, EEA and Switzerland. In other words, Meta is simply becoming GDPR-compliant.
Understanding GDPR in META's Social Media
With the increasing importance of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Meta has taken a step forward to harmonize its social media platforms with these regulations. This customization aims to protect user privacy while allowing continued access to Meta's platforms.
What does the new GDPR alignment mean in the social media context?
With the new subscription model, users will have the option to opt out of ads by paying for a monthly subscription. Alternatively, users can continue to use Meta's services free of charge but with advertisements that are relevant to them.
GDPR in Social Media — Reactions and Prospects
Advertising on the Meta platform remains effective and relevant, even with the new GDPR alignment. By maintaining user privacy under European law, Meta continues to provide a social media platform where marketers can reach their audiences effectively.
Will it make a difference for us as advertisers?
Actually, it's not. At SMW Group, we share Metas' belief in targeted marketing that benefits the interests of users and this new policy enables just that. The privacy of candidates is protected according to European regulations, while the relevant ads find the right candidates. Candidates who are either dreaming of your open position, or candidates who may not even have known that they are with whom they want to work. It's a win-win situation in many ways.
“We are positive about this change and believe that it will benefit both us as marketers and our customers. We think it's a step in the right direction, where privacy and freedom of choice are promoted on the internet.”
---- Karolina Brodén, Marketing Manager SMW Group
This alignment is expected to have positive consequences for both users and advertisers and can be seen as a step in the right direction towards greater privacy on the internet.
If you want to read more about Meta's new policy, you can take a look at the press release here.