Meta challenges EU fine over 'pay-or-consent' model under DMA

We’ve discussed the recent ruling regarding Meta’s “pay-or-consent” model, and now it’s time for Meta’s response. In a recent statement, the company claims that this ruling is inaccurate and unlawful. 

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The European Commission’s ruling found the "pay-or-consent" model to violate the Digital Markets Act (DMA), resulting in a €200 million fine. The model offers users a choice: pay for ad-free access or agree to share personal data for personalized advertising. The Commission objected to how the system effectively forces users to give up personal data for targeted ads unless they pay, rather than providing a true choice. 

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Meta argues that previous rulings and supporting opinions clearly state the company should be allowed to offer both ad-supported and subscription options and claims the EU is unfairly restricting its ability to do so. The case highlights growing tension between regulators and tech giants over monetization models that rely heavily on user data.

Find Meta’s statement here: https://about.fb.com/news/2025/07/why-the-commissions-decision-undermines-the-goals-of-the-dma/