Facebook has been the king of social media for quite some time now and its constant evolution shows that it has no plans of stepping down from its throne anytime soon! One problem that has been a mainstay on the social networking platform is an abundance of fake profiles.
While Facebook has taken important steps to get rid of this problem, the number of fake profiles or bots hasn’t gone down significantly. But now, it looks like the social media service has finally cracked the code of how to get this issue under control!
Recently, renowned social media consultant Matt Navarra tweeted about Facebook adopting a new way to verify if an account was created by a real person. Yes, that’s right, people will now have to take a video selfie of themselves to convince Facebook that it’s them behind a particular account. Navarra got wind of the news from a Twitter user (W.S).
Navarra’s tweet also included a couple of screenshots (featured below) through which we can get a better idea of Facebook’s latest initiative to battle fake accounts. Basically, you will be required to create a video selfie of yourself in which you will turn your head in different directions.
Facebook has clearly stated that the purpose of this video is only to confirm the identity of the account creator. Moreover, the video will neither appear on the concerned user’s profile nor be saved by Facebook itself. It will be deleted after the completion of the verification process.
While this move by Facebook has the potential to control (if not end) the fake profiles from increasing on the platform, users have their doubts surrounding it. Some are not buying that Facebook will delete the videos, considering its history of handling user data. Some have also praised this step, while others are confident that bots will get smarter to topple this obstacle as well.
It remains to be seen how effective this approach turns out to be both in the short and long run. Have you or someone you know been asked to submit a video selfie to confirm their identity on Facebook yet? Let us know in the comments!
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Read next: Facebook Messenger for Kids to introduce new ‘befriending’ protocols
While Facebook has taken important steps to get rid of this problem, the number of fake profiles or bots hasn’t gone down significantly. But now, it looks like the social media service has finally cracked the code of how to get this issue under control!
Recently, renowned social media consultant Matt Navarra tweeted about Facebook adopting a new way to verify if an account was created by a real person. Yes, that’s right, people will now have to take a video selfie of themselves to convince Facebook that it’s them behind a particular account. Navarra got wind of the news from a Twitter user (W.S).
Navarra’s tweet also included a couple of screenshots (featured below) through which we can get a better idea of Facebook’s latest initiative to battle fake accounts. Basically, you will be required to create a video selfie of yourself in which you will turn your head in different directions.
Facebook has clearly stated that the purpose of this video is only to confirm the identity of the account creator. Moreover, the video will neither appear on the concerned user’s profile nor be saved by Facebook itself. It will be deleted after the completion of the verification process.
While this move by Facebook has the potential to control (if not end) the fake profiles from increasing on the platform, users have their doubts surrounding it. Some are not buying that Facebook will delete the videos, considering its history of handling user data. Some have also praised this step, while others are confident that bots will get smarter to topple this obstacle as well.
It remains to be seen how effective this approach turns out to be both in the short and long run. Have you or someone you know been asked to submit a video selfie to confirm their identity on Facebook yet? Let us know in the comments!

Read next: Facebook Messenger for Kids to introduce new ‘befriending’ protocols
Just got suspended from FB and asked to upload a video selfie. Not uploading anything unless they tell me specifically why I was suspended!
ReplyDeleteHi - the same thing just happened to me. I’m reading up on it before I react.
DeleteI want to use facebook marketplace to sell items. I was asked to upload a selfie video which I am extremely uncomfortable with. I am disabled and have a disfigured face. I resell items to make a living. I find it offensive and disgusting that a social media company is requesting my ID or video of me. Are peoples with physical deformities/ disabilities not allowed to use facebook? I don't even take pictures for family holidays or have any of myself. There is no way I am going to upload a picture.
ReplyDeleteJust had the same thing with the same thoughts of I only trust them to try to make money off me.
ReplyDeleteSame here. Have to take a video to get my account back. At first I thought it was a scam, but after reading this here, it looks legit
ReplyDeleteI am a senior with Stage 3 uterine cancer and a shaved head. Facebook has no reason to cut me out. Disgusted.
ReplyDeleteThey locked me out too. I use a PC without a camera. Why and the heck can't you just upload a drivers license?
ReplyDeleteAfter many years of steadfastly refusing to join Facebook, I recently relented in order to see what my grandkids were up to. I had and have no intention of establishing a presence or conducting business on FB. When I was told I had to post a video selfie in order to proceed, I quit. I assume the presumption is that I use a smart phone to access the internet, but I use a laptop without a functioning camera. I guess Zuck doesn't want dinosaurs on his platform.
ReplyDeleteNo thanks FB. You're not getting my personal info. You already have more than enough
ReplyDeleteI was kicked off of face book in November for an unknown reason and received no answer now they want selfies well my profile page has my photo and that is the only one face book will get.
ReplyDeleteSame here! It is unheard of to willingly submit a video of yourself to any social media and I bet it is also illegal as I never agreed to such activity up on registering! Call it an invasion of privacy!!! If we all boycott this illegal social media request, it will have a tremendous impact. First fb was asking for a security code and now for selfies and even worse, self video. I won't comply and frankly, it is time at least for me to divorce fb. Goodbye fb and actually, thanks for giving me back my free time to enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteFB can use that if you express an opinion which government don't like and share your video with them.
ReplyDeleteSo don't do it
This is ridiculous! I wouldn't do it either!
ReplyDeleteFacebook just suspended my account with no indication of why this was done. They have requested a video selfie and I am willing to comply but my web cam is not working. Since I rarely use this camera I really don't want to purchase a new one. How can I contact Facebook to explain my situation. I did not receive an email from them probably because my email address has changed since I joined more than 10 years ago.
ReplyDelete