Kenyan journalists will now be able to apply for verification badges.
It may not seem like a big deal until you’ve tried getting a verification badge by constantly trying to grow the number of followers you have. There a number of practicing Kenyan journalists so this will help users know the difference especially when it comes to receiving news updates.
In an attempt to stop misinformation from spreading on social media both Facebook and Instagram will equip registered Kenyan journalist with relevant tools that will include safety and security features that will keep their accounts safe.
Ms Kemboi the Facebook Communications Manager for East Africa said:
“Journalists serve an essential role in keeping us informed and connected with the communities we care about. In the course of doing their jobs, journalists can face threats both in the physical world and online. We know that journalists and news media professionals are at a higher risk of online harm because of their occupation, and we want to provide better account protections for them,”
Journalists who have political affiliations will not be allowed to apply for the blue badge to avoid them using their verification badge as a way of spreading hate and propaganda.
If you’re a Kenyan journalist this is how to apply for the Facebook verification:
Firstly, you need to be a part of a news organization that is recognized and has a news page on the social media platforms. Additionally you need to submit five bylined news articles, a link to your biography on a news organization’s staff directory page and a provide a professional email address.
Kemboi added:
“Journalist registration is a continuation of our work to better identity and support journalists on our platform. While we’re starting with account protections, in the future registered journalists may also be eligible for other news-specific benefits, tools, and features. We’ll continue working with news organizations, academics, and industry groups to explore other ways to support registered journalists.”
What happens when you’re finally verified?
After you’re verified you will be added to an internal list of accounts that will ensure your account is safe and will keep vulnerable groups safe. Once you receive the badge you will be have access to Crowd Tangle Search which will allow you to enable searches across the social media platforms.
Journalists can either register through an in-app quick promotion (QP) sent proactively by Facebook to accounts who are likely to be journalists, or through the Help Center page where anyone can access the registration flow.