Verification of Social Media Accounts and their Implications
In today’s digital world, social media platforms have become powerful tools for public discourse, connecting people across the globe. However, as their influence grows, the need for credibility and authenticity has become increasingly important.
At the heart of this digital evolution lies the process of verification, a mechanism employed by social media networks to establish the legitimacy and authenticity of user accounts belonging to notable figures, celebrities, businesses, and prominent entities. This verification process is encapsulated by the unmistakable blue checkmark, an emblem that signifies an account’s credibility.
The following article delves into the intricacies of the verification process employed by some of the most popular social media platforms. We explore the steps taken to validate the identities of individuals and entities, shedding light on the meticulous scrutiny they undergo to earn that coveted blue badge. But we also confront a growing phenomenon: the confusion and skepticism surrounding these verification badges.
How to Get Verification on these Platforms?
X (formerly known as Twitter), a platform that numerous influential figures and content creators utilize, has undergone two distinct approaches when it comes to verifying its users. Initially, X granted the coveted blue badge to celebrities, public figures, brands, and organizations that were active and maintained a complete profile.
This completeness included having a profile picture, a display name, a confirmed phone number, and a track record of compliance with X’s rules. Additionally, these accounts needed to represent individuals associated with specific and notable categories, such as government officials, journalists, activists, or prominent personalities. Those who met these criteria could request verification by completing a designated form.
In the past, X employed a team of reviewers responsible for evaluating verification applications. Their role was to verify if the account fulfilled the eligibility criteria and to scrutinize the provided information. This meticulous process was designed to ensure that verified accounts genuinely represented noteworthy individuals or entities.
However, these procedures have faced criticism for various reasons, including a lack of transparency, subjective and inconsistent decision-making, the potential amplification of controversial figures, verification of accounts engaged in hate speech and disinformation, the presence of anonymous accounts, and limited verification opportunities for journalists and activists.
New Eligibility Criteria for the Blue Checkmark at X
Since Elon Musk, the largest shareholder at Tesla and SpaceX, bought the platform, several changes have been implemented, including alterations to its name and the account verification process. Presently, users can verify their accounts.
X Premium (Twitter Blue), represented by the blue checkmark icon, comes at $8 per month and is primarily tailored for individuals, although brands can also enroll in the program, at least for now. On the other hand, verification for organizations, denoted by the gold checkmark, targets larger brands to ensure their recognition and reputation within the platform.
Under the current system, anyone can apply for account verification, provided they have a notable presence, maintain authenticity, remain active, and adhere to X’s rules. To initiate the process, users are required to complete an online form and submit identification documents to substantiate their eligibility.
Meta Accounts Verification
Facebook is one of the most popular social media platforms worldwide. Facebook undergoes two distinct approaches to verify accounts/pages. Facebook grants verification badges to celebrities, public figures, brands, organizations, and people who have a complete profile and meet certain criteria.
These criteria included having a profile picture, a name that people could recognize, a verified phone number, and a track record of obeying Facebook’s rules. Some social media accounts were reserved for important individuals like government officials, journalists, activists, or famous people. These individuals could ask for their accounts to be verified by filling out a special form. The verification is intended to confirm genuine accounts and to confirm if they belong to the specific person they claimed to be.
In the past, Facebook also had a team of reviewers responsible for evaluating verification applications.
People were having problems with Facebook’s verification process. Even if they provided the information that was required to be eligible for verification, Facebook was not giving them the verification checkmarks they were supposed to receive.
New Eligibility Criteria for the Blue Checkmark on Facebook
In October 2021, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and five other platforms merged to form Meta, a conglomerate that owns these platforms. Meta added a payment system called Meta Verified Subscription to the features of Facebook and other platforms. This allows users to buy and sell goods and services through the platform. This was a major change to the previous verification process, which is now required for users to apply for the blue verification badge.
Meta now requires users to pay a monthly subscription fee in addition to meeting eligibility criteria to be verified. For $11.99 per month, anyone can get a blue verification badge on their account.
Instagram Blue Checkmark
Instagram is a different platform from Facebook because its main purpose is to enable users to share images or videos with their audience. It was bought by Facebook (now Meta Platforms Inc.) in 2012.
Initially, Instagram used to give verification badges to celebrities, public figures, brands, artists, organizations, and people who had a complete profile and met certain.
These criteria included having a profile picture, a name that people could recognize, a verified phone number, and a track record of obeying Instagram’s rules. Some social media accounts were reserved for important individuals like government officials, journalists, activists, or famous people.
The verification process involves reviewing the activity of the account and engagements and the basic information provided.
New Eligibility Criteria for the Blue Checkmark at Meta (Instagram)
Instagram now requires users to have a Meta Verified Subscription to apply for the blue verification badge. Since October 28, 2021, users have also been required to pay a monthly fee of $11.99 in addition to meeting the eligibility criteria. By verifying their identity and paying the subscription fee, anyone can have a blue verification badge on their Instagram account.
TikTok Account Verification
TikTok, the largest social media platform for sharing short videos, does not have a specific application process for getting verified. Instead, TikTok seeks out creators, brands, and influencers to grant a verification badge.
To be verified, the platform requires an account to be authentic, complete, notable, and secure, and it must have been active for at least 6 months. Additionally, accounts must adhere to community guidelines and terms of service. TikTok does not charge for bestowing the verified badges.
Telegram Verification Process
Telegram verifies public figures and organizations to help users easily identify official sources. To get verified on Telegram, accounts must have an active official channel, bot, or public group on at least two of the following platforms: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, VK, or Snapchat.
Telegram currently uses this method to verify every one. The platform’s terms of service do not specify any clear eligibility criteria.
Impressions given to having verified social media accounts
Having a verified social media account can make a good impression on people because it suggests that the account is credible, authentic, and trustworthy. It also helps to establish the account owner’s authority, expertise, legitimacy, and authenticity. Verified accounts are seen as reliable and knowledgeable sources of information, and they can help to prevent impersonation and identity theft. Additionally, verified accounts are often seen as having a lot of impact and influence.
However, social media platforms may now grant verification based on factors such as payment and other criteria that are not publicly disclosed. This means that not all information provided by verified accounts may be accurate or true. Therefore, it is important to verify information from verified accounts with other trusted sources.
Verification and D/Misinformation
Just because an account is verified doesn’t mean that the information it shares is accurate. Verification is about confirming the identity of the account holder, not the accuracy of their content. Verified accounts can still make mistakes or spread false information.
To avoid being misled, it’s important to be critical of the information being circulated online, even if it’s from a verified account. Social media users should not blindly trust anything they read. It is crucial to cross-check and verify information from multiple reliable sources.
It’s also important to get information from a variety of sources and perspectives. Relying on just one account or a few sources can give people on social media limited and possibly biased views and false perceptions.
HaqCheck recommends that social media users use fact-checking groups to evaluate the accuracy of information shared on social media, including information from verified accounts. This can help to ensure that social media users are getting accurate and reliable information.
Verification is just one factor to consider when evaluating the credibility of information. Social media users should be critical and cautious, and seek out reliable sources. These are all essential skills for navigating the digital landscape and combating false information dissemination.
