Facebook has announced a verification program for applications which will separate the wheat from the chaff in the world of Facebook apps.Facebook has described the verification program as "an optional new program designed to provide applications with a way to stand out and reassure users that they will provide a good experience". According to respected news site TechCrunch, applications which meet Facebook's verification standard will have to be "respectful, transparent and meet the guiding principles for trustworthiness". The guiding principles state that the applications should be meaningful, trust-worthy and well-designed. The program will go some way to help users determine which of the thousands of available applications are worthwhile and safe to use.
To become verified for a year it will cost developers $375 per application - which Facebook claims will "cover costs associated with the application review process". The program should provide a tidy revenue stream for Facebook, especially when you consider that there are currently 48,000 applications, of which Facebook expect at least 10% to eventually become verified. However, Facebook is offering a $200 discount to current students and registered non-profit organisations, reducing the verification fee to just $175, as long as they can provide official documentation.
Developers are given 3 attempts to gain verification status, with Facebook providing feedback during the approval process, and if they fail after the third attempt they have the opportunity to reapply again 3-6 months later.
Once an application becomes verified a badge is placed on the application's About Page, and also next to its listing in the application directory. Verified applications are given increased limits for requests, notifications and emails, along with an increased visibility in the news feed. Developers are also given $100 of free advertising credit per application. Has Facebook finally cracked the enigma of how to successfully monetise social networking sites? It certainly might be on the right path.
