Meta has introduced a new free verification programme for Facebook users, allowing eligible individuals to obtain a verification badge without paying for a subscription.
The company first announced in February 2023 that Facebook and Instagram users could subscribe to Meta Verified, a paid service that provides a blue verification badge and additional account benefits. That subscription remains available globally.
Under the newly announced programme, however, users can now receive a free verification badge by completing a facial verification process.
The system requires users to submit a selfie, which is matched against their existing profile photos using facial recognition technology. According to Meta, the verification process takes only a few minutes to complete.
The programme is open to users aged 18 and above.
Once the selfie verification is successfully completed, a verification badge will appear next to the user’s profile name across Facebook’s platforms and services.
Unlike the paid Meta Verified blue tick, this free badge simply confirms that the profile belongs to a real person. It does not certify the individual’s credibility or authenticity beyond identity verification.
The new verification badge is available free of charge to eligible Facebook users.
