The United Kingdom has set a major new precedent in the world of data privacy regulation by allowing Meta to monetise the “opt-out” process for personalised advertising. The ICO’s approval of a paid subscription to avoid ads creates a new model where regulatory compliance can become a direct revenue stream.
At the heart of this precedent is the idea that the legally required right to object to data processing can be satisfied by a commercial offer. Instead of a simple switch or free alternative, UK users are now presented with a choice to pay £2.99 or £3.99 a month to exercise this right.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has sanctioned this approach, viewing the paid subscription as a valid way of providing the choice mandated by UK law. This decision will likely be studied by other companies looking for ways to meet their own data protection obligations.
This precedent is in direct conflict with the one being set in the EU. The European Commission’s €200m fine against Meta establishes the opposite principle: that opt-outs must not be monetised and that charging for a fundamental right is illegal.
The UK’s move is a landmark moment. It signals to global tech companies that the British market is open to innovative, commercial solutions to regulatory challenges. This “pro-business” precedent is a cornerstone of the UK’s diverging post-Brexit digital strategy.
A New Precedent: UK Allows Monetization of Ad Opt-Outs
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