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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced over the weekend the upcoming launch of a new “Meta Verified” subscription service aimed at Facebook users, enabling verification for $11.99 per month on the web or $14.99 per month on iPhone or iPad.
Pile of sugar described Meta Verified is a subscription that allows account verification with a government ID, grants a blue check, and provides "additional identity theft protection" against accounts "pretending to be you." It also offers "direct access to customer support and exclusive stickers." A press release describing the feature states that it includes "access to increased visibility and reach." A full list of announced features:
- A verified ID confirming identity is required.
- Better protection against identity theft with proactive account monitoring for identity thieves who may target people with a growing online presence.
- On-demand help with access to a real person for common account issues.
- Increased visibility and reach through prominent placement in certain areas of the platform – such as search, comments and recommendations.
- Exclusive features that allow you to express yourself in a unique way.
Facebook & Instagram: These are the advantages of the – now chargeable – blue tick
The service is intended to "increase the authenticity and security" of all Meta services and follows Twitter Blue, Twitter's $8-a-month subscription service that offers a blue checkmark and access to features like "Edit Tweet." Meta plans to offer the same verification process on Instagram. However, each platform requires separate subscriptions, so a person or business that wants to be verified on both Facebook and Instagram will have to pay separate subscription fees. Instagram and Facebook currently rely on advertising for revenue. But changes like Apple's App Tracking Transparency could make advertising an unreliable revenue stream. Meta Verified will launch in Australia and New Zealand this week before expanding to other countries. Meta says there will be no changes to already verified accounts on Instagram and Facebook during the test phase. But the meaning of the verification badge will be "expanded." (Photo by DenPhoto / Bigstockphoto)
