Facebook tests charging users to share links in potential blow for news outlets

Thu, 18 Dec 2025

News organisations fear move could hit newsrooms and other media publishers by stopping users sharing their content

Facebook is testing a system that charges users for sharing web links, in a move that could prove to be a further blow to news outlets and other publishers.

Meta, the social media platform’s owner, said it is carrying out a “limited test” in which those without a paid Meta Verified subscription, costing at least £9.99 a month, can only post two external links a month.