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Have you tried logging in through your Facebook account only to find out that there are accounts using your identity? Or there are those transacting with another individual who might be a scammer?
There is a growing concern of meeting an individual possessing another’s account or using an account for scam, meanwhile, the price for existing paid verification options on social media is quite expensive. But here’s the good news: Meta is offering free account verification.
The free verification option, called new Facebook Verified program, allows social media account users to verify their account through submitting a short video selfie to which the company will compare with existing profile photos to confirm their identity.
A person seeking to confirm their identity must be at least 18 years old and have an account in good standing. This means, meeting Meta’s integrity requirements before receiving the badge.
Inquirer has disclosed that the feature is more focus on larger user base to distinguish real from fake accounts, impersonators, and AI-generated identities.
This is currently limited to personal Facebook profiles, and is available in select markets before expanding globally. Facebook pages and accounts using Professional Mode are not eligible.
Moreover, the new feature appears to be a partner to the newly-launched application Seller, a free standalone app for individuals purchasing and selling through Facebook marketplace. With the new verification measure, this will help users feel more confident and interact on Marketplace, Groups and Dating.
A top official of a nonprofit that assists victims of identity theft and fraud has said that this could be a good use of biometrics but Meta has yet to disclose more details on its effectieveness.
James E. Lee of Identity Theft Resource Center said, “Without a doubt, though, somewhere in the world there is already a professional cybercriminal working on a way to bypass this system or spoof a verified profile.”
Sources: Inquirer, The Star, Tech Republic
