Meta Seeks to Boost ‘Authenticity and Security’ for Facebook and Instagram Users with Paid ‘Verified’ Badge

Following in Twitter’s footsteps, Meta is rolling out a paid subscription service for Facebook and Instagram users who want to bolster their online presence and combat security woes.

Meta Verified is described as “a new subscription bundle that includes account verification with impersonation protections and access to increased visibility and support.”

Users can purchase a monthly subscription for USD 11.99 on the web or USD 14.99 on iOS and Android. On iOS, the price takes into account the standard 30% fee taxed by Apple for in-app purchases.

The effort is to “increase authenticity and security across our services,” Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in an Instagram broadcast channel.

The subscription, which is launching as a pilot program, includes a verified badge that authenticates user accounts with “government ID, proactive account protection, access to account support, and increased visibility and reach,” according to a post on Meta’s newsroom.

The test is rolling out gradually in Australia and New Zealand as the company seeks “to learn what’s most valuable.” Meta said it plans to launch the service to the rest of the world once it gets everything right.

A notable perk is dedicated account support, which enables subscribers to talk to a real person for common account issues.

To be eligible, account holders must be at least 18 years old and meet some minimum activity requirements, such as prior posting history.

Applicants are required to submit a government ID that matches the profile name and photo of the Facebook or Instagram account they’re applying for.

Meta Verified will only support the person’s real name on their profile. Once the profile is verified, the only way to change the profile name, user name, date of birth, or photo on the profile is to start a new verification application process.

To learn more about Meta Verified, users are instructed to visit Zuckerberg’s Meta Channel on Instagram.

Businesses are currently not eligible for the service, Meta said.