Facebook to follow Twitter in charging for services, Meta Verified to launch starting in Australia and New Zealand: $11.99 per month

Following Twitter's introduction of a paid verification system with different colored checkmarks at the end of last year, Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg announced today that Facebook and Instagram will introduce a subscription system called Meta Verified, priced at $11.99 per month for the web version, starting with a gradual rollout in Australia and New Zealand.

Meta Verified Service

Meta Verified will open subscriptions for customers in Australia and New Zealand later this week, with prices set at $11.99 per month for the web version and $14.99 per month for the iOS and Android versions. Users who go through Meta Verified will undergo identity verification using government IDs to ensure their real identities and will enjoy the following services:

• Proactive account monitoring for potential impersonation, enhancing prevention of identity theft.
• Access to customer support to address common account issues.
• Increased visibility and influence in certain areas of the platform such as search, reviews, and recommendations.
• Access to special features allowing users to express themselves uniquely.
• Exclusive stickers on Facebook and Instagram Stories, as well as 100 free stars on Facebook each month.

Note: Facebook Stars is a feature that allows business users to earn revenue through streaming videos, with each star exchangeable for $0.01 on Facebook.

It is worth noting that Meta Verified accounts must meet minimum activity requirements and users must be at least 18 years old.

Meta claims that they aim to make it easier for users, especially creators, to establish influence. Through this verification service, users can focus more on building their communities on Instagram or Facebook.

Twitter Verification Service

Last year, Twitter launched the personal blue check verification service, with subscriptions priced at $8 per month for the web version and $11 per month for iOS. They later introduced the company's gold check and government agency's gray check verifications. Musk has emphasized multiple times that verification services can effectively combat fake accounts and intends to provide a paywall for content creators, while also bringing profits to Twitter.

we’re relaunching @TwitterBlue on Monday – subscribe on web for $8/month or on iOS for $11/month to get access to subscriber-only features, including the blue checkmark 🧵 pic.twitter.com/DvvsLoSO50

— Twitter (@Twitter) December 10, 2022

However, the subscription-based monthly revenue can provide Meta and Twitter with a stable source of income. Will this address users' privacy concerns and provide more protection?