Facebook parent company Meta debuts paid subscription service in Australia, New Zealand

Facebook’s parent company Meta launched a week-long test run of their paid subscription service on February 24, 2023. For a monthly service fee of up to US$14.99, “Meta Verified” subscribers on Instagram and Facebook are offered verification badges on their accounts, as well as added safeguards to prevent impersonation, streamlined access to customer support and enhanced visibility. But the scheme already faces criticism in Australia and New Zealand, where Meta plans to roll out the service ahead of its release to the global market.