Meta announced last Friday, July 24th, the introduction of Facebook Verified, a new free verification badge. This badge serves to attest that the profile belongs to a real person, and obtaining it is done by submitting a selfie.
Purpose of the Verification Badge
The company justified this initiative by stating that with the ease generated by artificial intelligence in creating content, profiles, and messages, it is essential to offer a method to confirm the existence of an authentic person behind each profile. However, Meta emphasizes that the badge only confirms the authenticity of the profile and does not endorse or guarantee the user's reliability.
Location and Functioning of Facebook Verified
Facebook Verified will appear as a small 'check' icon next to the user's name and will be displayed in areas considered important by the platform. Initially, it will be present on Marketplace, Dating, Groups, and the Profile itself, with a planned gradual inclusion in Feed posts.
The release of Facebook Verified will occur in stages, starting on Monday, July 27th, in selected markets, with plans for global expansion, although Meta has not specified which countries will be the first to adopt the program. To prove identity, users must take a video selfie, following specific facial positioning instructions, a process similar to that adopted by many Brazilian banks.
Requirements and Service Differences
Any Facebook user over 18 years old can request the badge, provided they comply with Community Standards. It is mandatory to adhere to rules regarding scams, fraud, and deceptive practices, as well as not showing signs of inauthentic behavior. Pro Mode Profiles are excluded from receiving this badge.
This launch occurs in a context where other social networks have implemented paid verifications. Previously, badges were granted only to public figures or companies recognized by the network itself. X (formerly Twitter) exemplified this with the 'blue check' on its premium plan, which functions more as a subscription indicator than an identity marker. Meta also has Meta Verified, which costs R$ 53.90 monthly for Facebook and Instagram, offering extra benefits such as search prominence, exclusive stickers, and anti-impersonation protection—features that the free Facebook Verified does not possess. Currently, there is no information about implementing free verification for Instagram.