Facebook testing $14.99 monthy subscription fee to post links

Facebook is experimenting with "limiting the number of links users can post" without a $14.99 "Meta Verified" subscription.

Over the last week, several users have spotted Meta's test, which impacts link posting. Social media strategist Matt Navarra noted that users part of the test can only post two links unless they pay for a Meta Verified subscription, which starts from $14.99 per month.

Those being experimented on can still post links to other Meta platform URLs, including Instagram and Whatsapp. What, no surge pricing? Here's Navarra's post.

Meta confirmed the following to me: "This is a limited test to understand whether the ability to publish an increased volume of posts with links add additional value for Meta Verified subscribers."

A funny sign of enshittification (and a reminder that it's about platforms exploiting customers and suppliers alike after capturing both) is monetizing trust. Loudly: "verification is an important trust layer." Quietly: "you can pay us to be untrustworthy." And boy howdy can you pay Facebook to be untrustworthy.

Previously:
• Ephemeral Facebook game rescued from the memory hole
• How AI-generated 'sadcore' posts exploit Facebook users for profit
• Facebook app tricking users into letting it scan and 'retain' all the photos on their phones
• Facebook removing Linux discussions as security threats