At first glance, social media might not seem like a natural fit for identity verification (IDV). Unlike highly regulated sectors such as banking or telecommunications, social platforms rarely require users to prove their identity. As a result, social media identity remains largely fluid and often vulnerable to misuse. In many cases, IDV is positioned as a premium feature or a voluntary step, not a necessity.
But this may soon change. With the growing prevalence of deepfakes, impersonation, and romance scams, a more secure approach to managing social media identity is becoming imperative.
In this article, we’ll examine why identity verification is gaining traction on social platforms, how leading companies are implementing it today, and what the future may hold.
Why Identity Verification Matters on Social Media
Social platforms are under mounting pressure to verify users’ identities. Here are the top three reasons why IDV is becoming a strategic priority:
1. Strengthening Cybersecurity
Social media plays a central role in modern life, with over 5.24 billion users globally as of early 2025. But not every account represents a real person. Bots, scammers, and impersonators leverage social networks to exploit unsuspecting users.
Platforms like Facebook also serve as login credentials for third-party apps. A compromised Facebook account can provide access to services like the Wallet app, where sensitive financial data is stored. And with social platforms now offering direct shopping and payment options—like Instagram Shopping and Meta Pay—a hijacked profile can lead to serious financial loss.
Meanwhile, deepfake technology enables fraudsters to create realistic fake identities used in romance scams, misinformation campaigns, and political manipulation. When these abuses surface, they tarnish platform reputations and drive users away.
2. Gaining a Competitive Edge
With new entrants like Bluesky and BeReal emerging, existing platforms must continuously innovate to retain user trust. One differentiator? Safety and authenticity.
A Regula study revealed that 26% of users consider personal relationships and social media the areas most impacted by deepfakes. In the same study, 42% of experts cited identity theft and 33% cited misinformation as major threats, all closely tied to social platform misuse.
Reddit discussions reflect public frustration with account security—where sentiments like fear, anger, and disappointment dominate. This points to a demand for more secure, authentic online spaces.
By integrating IDV, social platforms can offer users, including content creators, a sense of legitimacy and protection, turning trust into a competitive advantage.
3. Preparing for Regulatory Pressure
Though traditionally underregulated, social platforms are now facing increasing scrutiny from lawmakers around the world. Major initiatives include:
- The EU Digital Services Act (DSA) mandates content moderation and fines of up to 6% of global revenue for non-compliance.
- The 2023 EU TikTok ban on government devices, followed by the US proposing even stricter limitations in 2024.
- The UK Online Safety Act (2023) requires age verification and protection for minors, with penalties of up to £18 million or 10% of global turnover.
- Australia’s Online Safety Act (2021) with similar requirements.
- France’s proposal for a supervisory body to collect verified IDs at registration.
These regulations signal a global shift toward greater accountability. Platforms that proactively adopt identity verification will be better equipped to comply—and thrive—in this evolving legal landscape.
How Social Platforms Are Verifying Users Today
While IDV is not yet universal, many platforms have already taken steps toward user verification. Here’s how leading social networks are approaching it:
WhatsApp – Phone Number as Identity
WhatsApp uses phone numbers as the primary identifier. New users verify ownership with a 6-digit SMS code or phone call. Some carriers support automatic number verification for added convenience.
For better protection, users can enable two-step verification, requiring a custom PIN for added login security.
Meta (Facebook & Instagram) – Subscription-Based Verification
Meta offers a paid verification badge starting at $14.99/month. This includes a blue checkmark, identity protection, and proactive monitoring. Verification is only available in select countries and not offered to users under 18.
To verify, users must upload a government-issued ID. In some regions, they also submit a video selfie. If any profile details—like name or date of birth—are changed, re-verification is required.
Meta also extends verification to WhatsApp Channels, ensuring cross-platform consistency within its ecosystem.
X (formerly Twitter) – Tiered Badge System
X offers multiple verification badge colors:
- Blue – Individual users
- Gold – Brands and nonprofits
- Gray – Government agencies
- Black – Affiliates of verified organizations
To qualify, users must meet activity, profile completeness, and notability criteria. Individuals must submit photo ID, while organizations can verify via email or domain ownership.
LinkedIn – Flexible Verification Options
LinkedIn provides gray verification badges based on:
- Identity (via selfie and government ID)
- Workplace (via corporate email or Microsoft Entra Verified ID)
- Education (in limited cases)
Third-party services support ID checks, especially in North America. The platform highlights which aspect of the profile is verified, boosting user transparency and trust.
Will the Future of Social Media Be Deanonymized?
As threats grow and regulations evolve, platforms will likely adopt more robust approaches to verifying social media identity. Here are three key trends to watch:
1. Age Verification Becomes the Norm
Legal frameworks increasingly target youth protection. Platforms like YouTube Kids already offer child-specific experiences. Expect age verification—via IDs or AI-based tools—to become standard across platforms catering to younger audiences.
2. Broader, User-Friendly IDV Options
Currently, IDV is often paywalled. In the future, expect free, inclusive verification methods, such as digital IDs, to become mainstream. These alternatives provide privacy benefits by limiting the amount of personal data exposed.
3. Biometric Verification Goes Mainstream
Optional today, biometric checks (e.g., video or selfie-based verification) could become required. Techniques like liveness detection, which ask users to blink, smile, or turn their heads, are highly effective at combating deepfakes and presentation attacks.
Final Thoughts
Social media has evolved from a casual tool into a complex digital ecosystem, encompassing e-commerce, payments, activism, and more. As this evolution accelerates, so does the need to protect and authenticate social media identities.
Identity verification is no longer optional—it’s a cornerstone of trust, safety, and regulatory compliance. From defending against deepfakes to enabling secure user experiences, IDV is key to shaping the next generation of social platforms.
To remain competitive, compliant, and credible, social networks must embrace identity verification as a strategic imperative, not just a security feature.
