Meta has announced a paid subscription service for Facebook and Instagram, allowing users to get blue verification badges.

In a statement on Sunday, Feb 19, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said the new verification system, called "Meta Verified," will cost $11.99 monthly on the web or $14.99 monthly for iOS users.

He explained that the new service would increase authenticity and security across Meta's services by verifying the accounts of users with a government ID.

"Good morning and new product announcement: this week we're starting to roll out Meta Verified -- a subscription service that lets you verify your account with a government ID, get a blue badge, get extra impersonation protection against accounts claiming to be you, and get direct access to customer support," Zuckerberg stated.

The company disclosed that revenue generated from the verification service would cover costs incurred from verifying government IDs and providing direct access to customer support for billions of people.

The new service will be introduced in Australia and New Zealand this week and later in other countries.