Meta follows Twitter’s lead, introduces paid verification for Instagram and Facebook.
Key Takeaways:
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is introducing a paid verification service for Instagram and Facebook users, following in the footsteps of Twitter.
The Meta Verified feature will cost $11.99 per month on web and $14.99 per month for iPhone users, providing users with a blue tick badge that signifies their authenticity and increased visibility on the platforms.
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the new service in an Instagram update, offering users protection from impersonation and direct access to customer support.
Meta Verified is currently available in Australia and New Zealand and will roll out to other countries soon.
According to Meta, the purpose of Meta Verified is to enhance security and confirm the authenticity on social media platforms.
To use the service, users must fulfill specific requirements such as being over 18 years old, fulfilling the minimum account activity conditions, and providing a government ID matching their profile name and photo.
The company said that there are impersonation protections in place with Meta Verified subscriptions and that it will proactively monitor accounts for impersonation.
The rise of pay-to-play models in social media has raised concerns about equity, privacy, and the commodification of user data, as well as the potential for fraud, spam, and abuse.
However, proponents argue that paid features can improve the user experience, reduce ad overload, and foster more meaningful interactions and content creation.
The introduction of paid verification on Meta and Twitter reflects a broader trend of monetizing online identity and reputation, which can have both positive and negative consequences for individuals and society.
As Meta announces its plan to offer paid verification, the company is simultaneously grappling with various obstacles from regulators, competitors, and users.
Meta has been under fire for its handling of misinformation, hate speech, and privacy breaches on its platforms, as well as its market dominance and data collection practices.
n response, the company has announced several changes to its policies and products, such as renaming and rebranding, launching a new metaverse platform, and expanding e-commerce and payment services. However, these moves have also raised questions about the company’s motives, ethics, and impact on society.
In conclusion, the introduction of paid verification on Meta and Twitter is a sign of the growing importance of online identity and reputation and the evolving business models of social media platforms.
It remains to be seen how users will respond to these paid features and whether they will provide a new revenue stream for social media companies or exacerbate existing problems with privacy, equity, and user data.
