Facebook and Instagram’s parent company Meta has launched a new paid ‘blue tick’ verification system for users. The service – known as Meta Verified – will be rolled out in Australia and New Zealand this week. The subscription bundle for Instagram and Facebook also includes extra protection against impersonation.
The development comes mere weeks after a similar verification service was launched by Elon Musk-led Twitter. Paid users can get their profile verified on Instagram and Facebook by using a government identity card.
The announcement was made on Sunday by Mark Zuckerberg via his newly launched broadcast channel.
According to the description given on its social media platforms, verified badges on Facebook and Instagram appear next to the Page or account’s name, as well as in search.
“This shows that we have confirmed that an account is the authentic presence of the creator, public figure, celebrity or global brand it represents and helps people more easily find the accounts they wish to follow. Our verification team vets all requests thoroughly and bases their review on a number of inputs to determine whether an account is eligible to be verified,” the platform explains.
According to a Reuters report, Meta Verified will have a starting price of $11.99 per month on the web and $14.99 a month on Apple’s iOS system.
According to reports, those seeking a Meta Verified profile must be above 18 years of age, with a complete profile and a lead image that shows the user’s face. They must also meet minimum activity requirements and validate the account with government-issued ID. The scheme is not available for business profiles.
Those looking to change their account username, profile name and photo or date of birth will have to go through the subscription and verification process again.
