Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, has launched its paid verification system, Meta Verified, in the US. This system was first introduced in Australia and New Zealand in February and offers benefits such as a blue verification badge, proactive impersonation protection, and direct access to customer support. However, the US version of Meta Verified does not offer increased visibility and reach as it does in other countries. Interested users can join the waitlist by submitting a photo of their ID, meeting minimum activity requirements, and enabling two-factor authentication. Once verified, users cannot change their username, profile name, date of birth, or photo without going through the verification process again. Although this move is similar to Twitter’s relaunched verification system, Meta spokesperson Paige Cohen notes that they are still exploring the value of certain components of their system before expanding it beyond Australia and New Zealand.
