TikTok is rolling out a new subscription model in the UK that allows users to pay for an ad-free version of the app. The feature was announced on June 12, 2024 and will be available to users aged 18 and older within the next few months.

The monthly subscription fee is set at £3.99 (approximately $5.40). In return, TikTok will remove advertisements from the user’s feed and commit to not using their data for unspecified "advertising purposes."

Why This Change?

This "pay or consent" model appears to be a response to the UK’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other privacy laws. These regulations prohibit companies from collecting and using personal data for advertising without obtaining explicit consent from users.

Key Details of the Subscription

  • Availability: Users aged 18+ in the UK
  • Cost: £3.99 per month (about $5.40)
  • Benefits: Ad-free experience and restricted data use for advertising
  • Rollout Timeline: "Over the coming months"

"This new subscription model reflects our commitment to user choice and compliance with evolving privacy regulations." — TikTok spokesperson

For more details, read the full report at The Verge.

Source: The Verge