Meta has announced Facebook Verified, a new free verification badge designed to help users confirm that there is a real person behind a Facebook profile. Unlike the existing paid Meta Verified subscription, the new badge is free and focuses solely on identity verification through a selfie-based process, aiming to make interactions on the platform safer and more trustworthy.
According to Meta, Facebook Verified is intended to help users quickly identify authentic profiles across the platform. The company said the badge will be available without a subscription fee and will appear “where it matters most on Facebook,” making it easier for people to distinguish genuine accounts from fake or impersonating profiles.
The verification process requires users to complete a short selfie-based identity check. Once verified, eligible profiles will receive the Facebook Verified badge, provided they also meet Meta’s trust and safety standards. Meta says the feature has been designed to authenticate real people while preserving privacy during the verification process.
Explaining the rationale behind the launch, Meta said the feature is particularly useful in situations where users interact with people they do not already know, such as on Facebook Marketplace, Dating and local Groups.
The launch comes as social media platforms continue to grapple with the rise of AI-generated profiles, impersonation and online scams. By introducing a free verification layer, Meta is looking to strengthen user confidence while reducing the chances of people interacting with fake accounts.
Meta said Facebook Verified will begin rolling out from Monday (Today), with broader availability expected in phases. The company has not yet announced a complete list of countries where the feature will first become available.
FAQs
- What is Facebook Verified?
Facebook Verified is Meta’s new free verification badge that confirms a Facebook profile belongs to a real person using a selfie-based identity verification process. - Is Facebook Verified different from Meta Verified?
Yes. Facebook Verified is free and focuses on identity verification, while Meta Verified is a paid subscription that includes additional benefits such as account support and enhanced protection. - How does Facebook Verified work?
Users complete a selfie-based verification process, and eligible accounts that meet Meta’s trust and safety standards receive the verification badge. - Why is Meta introducing Facebook Verified?
Meta says the feature is designed to help users identify authentic profiles, particularly when interacting with people on Marketplace, Facebook Dating and community Groups. - Will Facebook Verified be available to everyone?
Meta has announced that the feature will begin rolling out in phases, with broader availability expected over time.
