Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg announced the launch of a new feature called “Meta Verified” on February 19, 2023 for both Facebook and Instagram.
Meta Verified is a paid verification service that is a way for users to verify their identity on the platform and showcase a badge on their profiles, indicating that their account has been verified by Facebook and Instagram.
Verification has become increasingly important on social media platforms, as it helps to establish credibility and authenticity. These are key components in networking through social media. It also helps to prevent the spread of misinformation, as users are more likely to trust information shared by verified accounts.
The launch of Meta Verified is a significant step for Facebook and Instagram, as it provides users with a new level of security and trust in the platform.
Ways in which the security specified and benefits of Meta Verified include a few requirements and thoughts on how it is helpful to the individual.
How does Meta Verified work, and what are the benefits for users?
To start, users can request verification for their account by going to the settings section of their profile and selecting “Request Verification.“
They will then need to provide Facebook with a government-issued ID, as well as additional information about themselves and their account.
Once the request is submitted, Facebook will review the information and decide whether to approve or deny the request.
If the request is approved, the user will receive a badge on their profile indicating that they are Meta Verified. This badge will appear next to their name and will be visible to anyone who visits their profile. It will also appear next to any comments or posts made by the user on the platform.
The benefits of being Meta Verified
The benefits of being Meta Verified are numerous. For one, it establishes credibility and authenticity for the user.
This is particularly important for users who are using the platform for business purposes, as it helps to establish trust with potential customers and clients.
It also helps to prevent the spread of misinformation, as users are more likely to trust information shared by verified accounts.
Additionally, being Meta Verified can help to increase the visibility of a user’s profile. Verified accounts are more likely to appear at the top of search results, making it easier for users to find and follow them.
This can be particularly beneficial for users who are trying to market and grow their following on the platform.
In short, key benefits include:
- You are a real person: A verified badge confirms that you are indeed a real person and confirms your account has been authenticated with a proper government ID.
- Impersonation Protect: Protection from impersonation which includes account monitoring particularly for those who might target because of growing audience or established large audience.
- Better Visibility: Increased visibility in the areas of search, comments and recommendations.
- Exclusive Features: Exclusive features will include ways to to express yourself more uniquely.
Protective Security Benefits
Perhaps most importantly, being Meta Verified provides an added layer of security for users. With so much personal information shared on social media platforms, it can be difficult to know who to trust.
By verifying accounts, Facebook and Instagram are helping to ensure that users are interacting with real people, rather than bots or fake accounts.
Of course, there are some potential downsides to the launch of Meta Verified. For one, it could be difficult for some users to get verified.
Facebook has stated that the feature is currently only available to “eligible public figures, celebrities, and brands,” meaning that the average user may not be able to get verified.
Additionally, there is a concern that the feature could be used to create a two-tiered system on the platform, with verified accounts receiving preferential treatment over unverified accounts.
Meta Verified is a positive step for Facebook and Instagram
Despite these potential downsides, however, the launch of Meta Verified is a positive step for Facebook and Instagram.
It provides users with a new level of security and trust in the platform, while also helping to prevent the spread of misinformation.
And while it may be difficult for some users to get verified, the fact that the feature exists at all is a good thing for the platform as a whole.
Concern for users.
One potential area of concern for users is the use of personal information in the verification process.
While Facebook has stated that it will only use this information for verification purposes, there is always a risk that this information could be misused or compromised.
There is still concern, however, that the use of government-issued IDs could be discriminatory towards users who do not have access to these documents.
To address these concerns, Facebook has stated that it will use “robust measures” to protect user information and that it will only use government-issued IDs as a last resort.
“We’re excited to launch Meta Verification on Facebook and Instagram, which will provide users with a new level of security and trust in our platforms. By verifying accounts, we’re helping to establish credibility and authenticity, while also preventing the spread of misinformation. We are committed to working to ensure that our platforms remain a safe and trustworthy place for people to connect and share information.”
-Mark Zuckerberg
Costs for Meta Verification
At the time of launch, cost for Meta Verification will be $11.99 a month on the web and $14.99 a month on iOS. Users on Instagram and Facebook will be able to submit their government ID and get a blue verification badge once requirements are filled and a plan is chosen.
Confirmation for upcoming plans or upgrades has not been confirmed yet in this stage.
Further Requirements
As of February 19, 2023, Meta released the requirements for Meta Verification on Facebook and Instagram for eligible public figures, celebrities, and brands are as follows:
1. Compliance with Facebook’s Terms of Service and Community Standards: In order to be eligible for Meta Verification, users must comply with Facebook’s terms of service and community standards, which include rules regarding hate speech, harassment, and other forms of abusive behavior.
2. A complete and fully optimized profile: Users must have a complete and fully optimized profile on Facebook or Instagram, including a profile picture, bio, and other relevant information.
3. A significant following: Users must have a significant following on Facebook or Instagram, with a large number of followers, likes, and engagements.
4. A government-issued ID: Users must provide a government-issued ID, such as a passport or driver’s license, in order to verify their identity.
5. Additional information: Users may be asked to provide additional information, such as links to their other social media profiles, in order to verify their authenticity.
6. Approval by Facebook: Finally, users must be approved by Facebook in order to receive Meta Verification. Facebook will review the information provided by the user and make a decision based on their eligibility and compliance with their guidelines.
Considerations to consider for Meta Verified
Also at the time of launch, there was confirmation that businesses are not eligible to apply for Meta Verified.
As this is still a testing phase for Meta’s new launch, the company has not yet clarified if this will be an option in the near future or part of another plan in further testing phases.
Finally, consideration to apply for verification should include the fact that Meta has stated that users will not be able to change their profile name, their username, date of birth, or profile photo.
Doing so would, at this time, require going through the application process again. For many individuals with growing audiences and the ever-changing algorithm, we have yet to see the effects of how this service may benefit users in either a slight way or a significant way.
Through this phase it is safe to say that an option has long been needed and the potential to expand to those with new audiences as well as businesses is hopeful.