Facebook parent Meta will launch a subscription service this week to verify Facebook and Instagram accounts with government IDs. Facebook founder and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerburg said Sunday that the Meta Verified service would cost users at least $11.99 a month on web or $14.99 a month on iOS
“This week we begin the rollout of Meta Verified – a subscription service that lets you verify your account with a government ID, receive a blue badge, gain additional identity protection against accounts impersonating you, and gain direct access to customer support” , he said.
“This new feature is all about increasing the authenticity and security of our services. Meta Verified starts at $11.99/month on web or $14.99/month on iOS. We’re launching in Australia and New Zealand this week, and more countries soon,” Zuckerburg said.
He said the Meta Verified service will be available in Australia and New Zealand for now, but will be rolling out to other countries soon. The service would increase the security and authenticity of users on Facebook and Instagram, the company’s founder claimed. Subscribers to the Blue Tick service also get direct access to customer support.
According to technology and gadget news monitor Techdroider, Meta’s verified service offers users the benefits of “a verified badge, customer support, active identity monitoring, priority in other people’s comments, recommendations on the explore page, and roles on Instagram.”
To become Meta Verified, you must meet certain criteria, including meeting minimum activity thresholds, being at least 18 years old, and providing government-issued ID that matches the name and photo on your Facebook or Instagram account. The new feature bears some resemblance to Elon Musk’s Twitter Blue subscription service, which costs $8 a month. However, Meta assures that accounts verified according to the company’s previous criteria, such as authenticity and reputability, remain unchanged.
In addition, Meta Verified users will receive exclusive stickers for their Instagram and Facebook stories and reels, as well as 100 free monthly stars, a digital currency to tip Facebook creators. Although companies are not yet eligible to apply for a Meta Verified badge, individuals who have achieved this status must go through the verification process again if they wish to change their profile name, username, date of birth, or photo.
