Meta (NASDAQ:META) has unveiled Facebook Verified, a new free verification badge designed to confirm that a Facebook profile belongs to a real person through a selfie-based identity verification process.
Unlike the company’s paid verification offerings, the new badge is available at no cost to eligible users and is intended to strengthen authenticity across the platform.
Selfie verification powers the new system
To obtain the badge, users must complete a short video selfie that Meta compares with existing profile images to verify the account owner’s identity.
The verification process is typically completed within minutes, provided the account satisfies the platform’s trust and safety requirements.
Eligibility based on account integrity
Facebook Verified is available to eligible users aged 18 and older whose accounts comply with Meta’s Community Standards, particularly policies addressing fraud, scams and deceptive behaviour.
Applicants must also demonstrate authentic account activity to qualify for the badge.
The programme currently excludes Facebook Pages and ProMode accounts.
Badge expands across Facebook services
Initially, the verification badge will appear on user profiles as well as within Marketplace, Dating and Groups.
Meta said it plans to extend the feature to Facebook Feed posts as the rollout continues.
The company is introducing Facebook Verified gradually, beginning in selected markets before expanding availability worldwide.
Verification confirms identity, not endorsement
Meta said the badge confirms only that a real individual completed the selfie verification process and that the account met the platform’s trust and safety criteria.
The company emphasised that the badge should not be interpreted as an endorsement of a user or as a guarantee of credibility.
All verified users will continue to be governed by Meta’s Community Standards and Commerce Policies.