Facebook has followed Twitter by introducing verified pages to ensure users are viewing the actual person or brand rather than fake parody pages of profiles.
HumanIPO reported earlier this week more than 400 South Africans had been the victim of clone accounts, which pose as somebody’s friend as they make requests for money, but initially Facebook’s verified pages will only be available to high profile public figures or popular brands.
Pages which are verified by Facebook will carry a small blue circle with a tick inside, as shown in the picture.
A company statement said: “We verify profiles or Pages to help you be sure that they are who they claim to be. Keep in mind that not all authentic profiles and Pages are verified and that you can’t request to have your profile or Page verified.”
Although Facebook will proactively verify popular profiles and pages with large audiences, anyone who is concerned about a fake account impersonating themselves or someones else can still report it.
Twitter began verifying account five years ago and Pinterest did the same earlier this year.
