Facebook-parent Meta rolls out verified account service in India; here's how much it will cost

Facebook-parent Meta has started verified service in India at a monthly subscription price of Rs 699 for mobile apps, the social media giant said on Wednesday. Meta also owns Instagram and WhatsApp. The California-headquartered firm is also planning to roll out verified service on the web in the coming months at a subscription price of Rs 599 per month.  

"Meta Verified is available for direct purchase on Instagram or Facebook in India starting today. People can purchase a monthly subscription for Rs 699 on iOS and Android. In the coming months, we'll also introduce a web purchase option for Rs 599 a month," the company said in a statement.  

For a verified account subscription, Facebook and Instagram users will need to verify their account with a government ID. The verified account will provide impersonation protections and account support. "We're expanding our test of Meta Verified to India after seeing good results from our early testing in several countries globally. We'll also continue honouring verified badges that were granted previously based on existing criteria," Meta said.  

To be eligible, accounts must meet minimum activity requirements, such as prior posting history and applicants must be at least 18 years old. Applicants are then required to submit a government ID that matches the profile name and photo of the Facebook or Instagram account they are applying for.  

"We want to make it easier for creators to establish a presence so they can focus on building their communities on Instagram or Facebook. As we continue to expand and evolve Meta Verified globally, there will also be no changes to accounts that were previously verified," the company said.  

Meta's move comes months after Twitter started charging a monthly subscription for a verified account. The company rolled out the Twitter Blue subscription service early this year at a monthly fee of Rs 650 on the web and Rs 900 on mobile devices to maintain their verification status.

(With inputs from PTI)