Meta offers free Facebook verification

Meta has launched a free verification system for Facebook users, granting a white check mark after a selfie video submission. The new feature, called Facebook Verified, aims to confirm an account belongs to a genuine person without requiring payment, unlike Meta’s existing Meta Verified subscription.

How the free check mark works

Eligible users must be 18 or older and maintain an account that complies with Facebook’s community standards. The verification process requires recording a short selfie video, which Meta compares to the user’s profile photos using facial recognition technology. Once approved, a white check mark appears on the profile and in specific areas of the platform, such as Marketplace, Dating, and Groups.

This system differs from Meta Verified, which grants a blue check mark after reviewing a government-issued ID. The white check mark serves as a signal of trustworthiness rather than a formal identity confirmation. Currently, the badge does not appear on Feed posts, though Meta intends to expand its visibility later.

The feature is being tested in select markets before a broader release.

Privacy trade-offs and retention policies

Meta states the selfie video will be stored for up to 30 days following verification, a one-time requirement.

Lifehacker raises privacy considerations around providing additional biometric data to Meta, noting that the company has previously used user data to train its AI systems. The selfie video, classified as biometric data, falls under Meta’s retention policies during the 30-day window.

Users must consider whether the trust signal outweighs the risks of sharing facial recognition data. Meta’s privacy policy outlines the retention period, but details about potential secondary uses of the video remain unclear.

Facebook Verified joins other recent selfie-based verification tools, including a Google feature designed for account recovery. Google’s system, however, focuses on regaining access to locked accounts, making its security implications distinct from Facebook’s badge.

The introduction of Facebook Verified reflects a growing trend among platforms to verify identities without fees. For now, the feature is limited to personal accounts—Pages and ProMode accounts are excluded.