Meta has launched a paid subscription service called "Meta Verified" to authenticate user accounts on Facebook and Instagram.

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The service starts at $11.99 per month and is primarily aimed at content creators looking to expand their presence on the platforms.

 image credit: Google 

Users who subscribe to Meta Verified receive a badge indicating their account has been verified with a government ID.

 image credit: Google 

The service also provides extra protection against impersonation, direct access to customer support, and more visibility.

 image credit: Google 

 Meta Verified will be rolled out in Australia and New Zealand this week before coming to other countries.

 image credit: Google 

 The service is not yet available to businesses.

 image credit: Google 

The move follows a similar service launched by Twitter.

 image credit: Google 

The traditional advertising-based business model that has long dominated the internet is faltering.

 image credit: Google 

The service is part of Meta's diversification efforts and is not expected to generate significant revenue during the test phase.

image credit: Google

The pricing of Meta Verified may pose challenges in countries where users cannot afford to pay $12 a month, or in cash-based economies where they may have fewer ways to get the money to Meta.

image credit: Google

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