Facebook launches free Verified badge: Here’s how to get it

New Delhi: Meta has introduced Facebook Verified, a free verification badge designed to confirm that a profile is operated by a real person. The verification process requires users to record a short video selfie, which is checked against their existing Facebook profile photographs. Meta said the process typically takes a few minutes and does not require a subscription. Facebook Verified will be available to eligible users aged 18 and above whose accounts comply with the platform’s Community Standards, particularly policies concerning fraud, scams, deceptive practices, and inauthentic behaviour. The feature will not be available for Facebook Pages or accounts using Professional Mode. Meta is introducing the badge in phases, beginning with selected markets before a broader global rollout. Verified badges will initially appear on user profiles and across Marketplace, Dating and Groups. The company plans to display them on Feed posts at a later stage. The badge indicates that the account holder has completed the selfie-based verification process and meets Meta’s trust and safety requirements. However, it does not represent an endorsement by Facebook or guarantee that the user is trustworthy. Verified users will continue to be governed by Meta’s Community Standards, Commerce Policies and other platform rules. The feature comes as artificial intelligence tools make it easier to create synthetic profiles, content and messages. Meta said the badge would offer users a visible indication that a profile belongs to a person who has completed its identity-checking process.