Meta announces paid blue verification tick on Facebook and Instagram

In a blog post published on February 15, 2023, Meta announced that it is introducing a paid blue verification tick on its platforms. The blue verification tick is a badge that appears next to the name of a Facebook or Instagram account, indicating that the account is authentic and belongs to a public figure, celebrity, or brand.

According to the announcement, the blue verification tick was previously awarded to accounts that met certain criteria, such as having a large following or being in the public interest. However, the new paid blue verification tick will allow anyone to apply for verification for a fee.

The exact cost of the verification process has not been announced yet, but it is expected to be a one-time fee. The new system will be rolled out gradually, starting in the coming weeks, and will be available to all users in the near future.

Meta stated that the introduction of a paid verification system is aimed at preventing fake accounts and improving the transparency and authenticity of its platforms. However, the move has also sparked controversy, with some users criticizing it as a way for the company to monetize its verification process and create a two-tier system where verified users are given preferential treatment.