Meta has announced plans to launch a paid subscription model on Instagram and Facebook that will allow users to buy a verified badge.
Dubbed ‘Meta Verified’, the new feature will let users verify their account by providing a government ID and paying a monthly fee. Those who sign up to the service will get a blue badge, extra protection from accounts impersonating them and increased visibility. Users who sign up will also have “direct access to customer support”.
The new feature was announced by Meta CEO in a Facebook post today (February 19).
“Good morning! New product announcement: this week we’re starting to roll out Meta Verified – a subscription service that lets you verify your account with a government ID, get a blue badge, get extra impersonation protection against accounts claiming to be you, and get direct access to customer support,” Zuckerberg wrote.
He added: “This new feature is about increasing authenticity and security across our services. Meta Verified starts at $11.99 / month on web or $14.99 / month on iOS.”
The announcement of Meta Verified comes after Twitter launched its premium subscription feature, Twitter blue, back in November. The feature was temporarily paused after some users began impersonating brands and celebrities after paying for the badge.
To avoid similar issues, Meta has said users paying for its subscription service will have to supply ID document, as well as having a profile picture that includes their face.
Meta Verified will be launched in Australia and New Zealand this week, before being rolled out in other countries soon.
[Image: Sergei Elagin via Shutterstock]