Zuckerberg’s Meta to monetize Facebook Account Verification

Meta, the parent company of Facebook, is rolling out a paid account verification system for users in Australia and New Zealand. The verification will be priced at 420 THB or 11.99 USD per month. This new feature is designed to enhance account security and help ensure the accuracy of its platform by requiring users to submit government-issued ID documents and receive a blue badge. Verified accounts will also enjoy additional protections against impersonation and direct access to customer support.

The service is available exclusively to users aged 18 and older, and will not impact pre-existing verified accounts. It is not available for businesses at this stage.

Meta’s move to charge for account verification comes during a financially challenging period for the company, which faced major layoffs of 11,000 employees in late 2022. Although stock prices took a significant hit last year, they have shown some recovery in 2023. Despite ongoing financial pressure, CEO Mark Zuckerberg remains optimistic about Meta’s future, bolstered by the company’s growing user base and the ongoing push into the metaverse.

This move also aligns with Meta’s ongoing efforts to generate more revenue following the decline in its sales during 2022, although the results were less severe than expected.