Meta has recently announced the launch of Facebook Verified, a free verification badge designed to confirm that a profile belongs to a real person through a selfie-based identity check.
The new feature allows eligible Facebook users to verify their identity by recording a short video selfie, which is compared with existing profile photos to confirm a match. According to Meta, the verification process is free of charge and is typically completed within a few minutes.
Unlike the paid Meta Verified subscription, which uses a blue verification badge and includes additional account protection features, Facebook Verified is free and is represented by a black verification badge. Users only need to complete the verification process once, after which the badge will appear across supported areas of Facebook.
The announcement comes as advances in artificial intelligence (AI) have made it easier to generate convincing fake profiles, images and messages.
Image: Meta
Eligible users must be at least 18, have an account in good standing and comply with Facebook's Community Standards. Meta said accounts showing signs of inauthentic activity will not be eligible. The programme is currently limited to personal Facebook profiles and is not available for Pages or Professional Mode accounts.
Meta said the badge is intended to help users identify genuine people before interacting on Marketplace, Dating, Groups and other parts of Facebook. The feature will roll out first in selected markets before expanding globally.
