PHL Facebook users uninterested in monthly subscription service — informal poll

Following Meta Platforms, Inc.’s announcement on Sunday that it would test a $14.99 monthly subscription service that allows users to verify their Facebook and Instagram accounts using a government ID, many Filipinos appear unenthusiastic about the feature and are unwilling to pay for it.

An informal poll set up by BusinessWorld on its Twitter page on Monday has received 59 responses as of Wednesday, indicating that 95% are unwilling to pay for Meta Verified, the subscription service which will be available for direct purchase on Instagram or Facebook in Australia and New Zealand starting later this week.

Though gradual launches in other countries are set to follow, there is yet to be news of a launch in the Philippines.

The subscription bundle for Instagram and Facebook includes a blue badge on verified accounts and extra protection against impersonation. It will be priced starting at $11.99 per month on the web or $14.99 a month on Apple’s iOS system and Android.

“I don’t understand why we have to pay for them to verify and protect our accounts. Shouldn’t it be possible for all users anyway without them profiting from it?” said Analyn B. Nance, a Facebook user who answered the poll, via Messenger.

Meta Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg touted Meta Verified as one of their upcoming products that aims to “empower creators to be way more productive and creative” as well as add revenue to support the technology for Meta’s large user base.

Last month, Twitter announced that Twitter Blue will be priced at $11 per month for iOS and Android subscribers. It added this week that only Twitter Blue subscribers will be able to use two-factor authentication (2FA) text messages after March 20.

“We have seen phone-number based 2FA be used – and abused – by bad actors. Starting today, we will no longer allow accounts to enroll in the text message method of 2FA unless they are Twitter Blue subscribers,” the company said on Friday.

To authenticate their Twitter log-ins at no cost, non-subscribers will have to use an authentication mobile app and a security key. — Brontë H. Lacsamana