Facebook and Instagram are set to launch a paid verification service, following in the footsteps of Twitter which recently started charging for two-factor SMS authentication. The service will first roll out in Australia and New Zealand later this week, with plans for a wider global launch in the coming months.
In a Facebook post on Sunday, Mark Zuckerberg, Meta’s chief executive, announced the launch of the service which will allow users to pay for a blue checkmark on their profile, indicating that their account has been verified. The move is aimed at helping users to establish their identity and build trust on the social media platforms.
The cost for the service will be US$11.99 a month on web or US$14.99 on iOS and Android, with pricing in Australia set at $19.99 on web or $24.99 on iOS and Android. Facebook and Instagram have not yet announced the criteria for eligibility for the verification service, but it is expected to be similar to that of Twitter, which requires users to provide a government-issued ID and other personal information.
The launch of the paid verification service comes as social media companies continue to face criticism over the spread of misinformation and fake accounts on their platforms. By allowing users to pay for verification, Facebook and Instagram hope to provide users with a way to establish their identity and build trust with their followers.
While the move is likely to be welcomed by some users, it may also lead to concerns over access to the service and potential exploitation by those with the means to pay for verification. Facebook and Instagram have yet to comment on these concerns.
Overall, the launch of the paid verification service by Facebook and Instagram marks a significant shift in the way social media platforms approach identity and trust on their platforms, and it will be interesting to see how users respond to the new service in the coming months.
