Facebook Launches Free Verification Badge Using Selfie Video Check

New Delhi: Facebook has launched a new 'Facebook Verified Badge' to help users distinguish between real and AI-created profiles. This new feature allows users to verify their accounts for free by simply recording a short selfie video. The company said that with the help of AI, fake profiles, fake photos, and automated chats are being created more easily than ever. Therefore, this feature has been introduced to provide people with a more trustworthy online experience.

What is Facebook Verified Badge?

Facebook's new Verified Badge differs from traditional verification badges, which are typically associated with celebrities, public figures, or paid subscriptions. This new system requires eligible users to record a short selfie video. Facebook will then compare the video to the photos on their profile to verify that the account belongs to a real person. According to the company, the entire process is free and typically takes just a few minutes.

Who is eligible for this feature?

To receive the Facebook Verified Badge, users must be at least 18 years old. Additionally, the account must have a good record. Accounts with a history of fraud, scams, or other deceptive activity will not be eligible. Currently, this feature is not available for Facebook Pages and profiles with Professional Mode.

Where will the Verified Badge be visible?

Once verification is complete, this badge will appear in places where it's most important to know a person's identity. This includes Facebook Profiles, Facebook Marketplace Listings, Facebook Dating Profiles, and Facebook Groups. The company has also stated that in the future, this badge will also appear on Feed Posts.

Users only need to verify once. After that, the badge will automatically appear across all supported sections of Facebook, without any subscription fees. For example, if someone is viewing a product listing on Marketplace, connecting with someone new in Dating, or discussing a Group, they can easily identify whether the account belongs to a real person.

Will Verified Badge be a guarantee of trust?

Facebook clarified that the Verified Badge only means that the account in question belongs to a real person. It doesn't mean the company guarantees that person's behavior or endorses all of their actions.

Verified accounts must also adhere to Facebook's Community Standards and Commerce Policies. Any real person violating the platform's rules could face action. The company stated that the Facebook Verified Badge signifies that the profile belongs to a real person who has completed Selfie Verification and meets Trust and Safety Standards.

When will it rollout?

Facebook is currently rolling out this feature in select countries in a phased manner. It will be made available in other countries in the future. The company believes that as AI-generated content and fake profiles increase, it's becoming increasingly important for users to distinguish between real and fake accounts. The new Verified Badge is considered a step towards meeting this need.