Meta has introduced a new free verification badge for Facebook users, allowing eligible individuals to confirm that their accounts belong to real people as the company steps up efforts to combat fake and AI-generated profiles.
The new identity verification system requires users to submit a short selfie video, which Meta compares with existing profile photos to verify that the account owner matches the images already on the profile. According to the company, the verification process is free of charge and is typically completed within a few minutes, provided the account satisfies its trust and safety requirements.
The rollout comes as technology platforms face growing pressure to tackle identity fraud, online scams and the increasing use of artificial intelligence to create convincing fake accounts. Brandspur Brand News reports that the new badge is designed to help users distinguish authentic personal profiles from impersonators without requiring a paid subscription.
Meta said eligibility is limited to users aged 18 years and above whose accounts comply with the platform’s community standards and anti-fraud policies. The verification option is available only for personal Facebook profiles and does not extend to Pages or business accounts.
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Once approved, the verification badge will be displayed across key Facebook features, including Marketplace, Dating, Groups and users’ profiles. The company also plans to expand the badge’s visibility to Feed posts in a future update.
The free verification programme operates independently from Meta Verified, the company’s paid subscription service, which offers additional benefits such as enhanced account protection, impersonation monitoring and other premium features.
The launch reflects Meta’s broader strategy to strengthen trust across its platforms by making it easier for users to identify authentic accounts while reducing the spread of fake identities powered by artificial intelligence.
