
Facebook and Instagram owner Meta will launch a paid subscription service starting at $11.99 a month allowing users to verify their accounts, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced Sunday, following a similar move by Elon Musk at Twitter.
Meta Verified, which will roll out first in Australia and New Zealand this week, will let users “verify your account with a government ID, get a blue badge, get extra impersonation protection against accounts claiming to be you, and get direct access to customer support,” Zuckerberg said.
“This new feature is about increasing authenticity and security across our services,” he wrote in a statement posted to his Facebook account.
There would be no changes to accounts on Facebook and Instagram that are already verified, the company said, adding that only users who are over the age of 18 will be allowed to subscribe. The service is not yet available to businesses.

Drake will receive the Artist of the Decade honour at the Billboard Music Awards. The 34-year-old musician will receive...
Kizz Daniel has unfollowed Davido on Instagram, following last night saga which Davido and his gang members were accused...
Tekashi 69 has broken the record for Instagram Live viewers as he broadcast an epic rant on Friday following...