Facebook identity confirmation is a process where Facebook asks users to provide identification documents to prove their identity and confirm they are using their real name on the platform. This verification process is triggered when Facebook detects suspicious activity or fake accounts, or when users try to change their name or other profile information.
Why does Facebook require identity confirmation?
There are a few key reasons why Facebook asks users to complete identity confirmation:
- To prevent fake accounts – Having users submit ID helps Facebook ensure real people are creating accounts rather than fake or bot accounts.
- To stop abusive behavior – Verifying identities makes it harder for people to harass others or spread misinformation anonymously.
- To comply with laws – Facebook is required by some laws and regulations to verify the identities of users in certain circumstances.
- To build user trust – Identity confirmation gives users more confidence they are interacting with authentic accounts.
By making users confirm who they are, Facebook aims to increase accountability and create a safer, more trusted environment on the platform.
When does Facebook ask for identity confirmation?
There are several scenarios that may trigger Facebook to ask a user for identity confirmation documents:
- Signing up for a new account – Facebook may ask new users to upload an ID right away if their account activity seems suspicious.
- Editing profile information – Changing details like your name, date of birth, location etc. can prompt an ID verification request.
- Unusual account activity – Logging in from a new device or location, or changes in how you use Facebook can trigger confirmation.
- Reported accounts – If another user reports your account as fake, you may need to prove your identity.
- Legal requests – Facebook may ask for ID documents in response to legal requests from authorities.
Essentially, Facebook monitors account activity closely for anything unusual or violating their policies. Any red flags can initiate the identity confirmation process.
What types of ID does Facebook accept?
Facebook asks users to provide a government-issued ID document that meets the following criteria:
- Includes your photo
- Includes your full name
- Includes your date of birth
- Is not expired
- Shows the ID number clearly
Some examples of accepted identity documents include:
| Type of ID | Examples |
|---|---|
| Driver’s license | U.S. driver’s license, Australian driver’s license, International driving permit |
| Passport | U.S. passport, UK passport, Indian passport |
| National ID card | Aadhaar card, Singaporean identity card, German identity card |
| Visa | U.S. visa, Schengen visa, Australian visa |
Facebook may reject IDs if the name doesn’t match your profile name, the photo is unclear, or any required details are illegible.
Uploading your ID to Facebook
When asked for identity confirmation, Facebook will prompt you to upload a photo or scan of your official ID document. To submit it:
- Locate an acceptable ID based on Facebook’s criteria.
- Take a clear, well-lit photo or scan of the entire ID page.
- Upload the photo/scan when prompted on Facebook. You may need to adjust or retake unclear images.
- triple check that your ID photo, name, birthday are clearly legible before submitting.
Facebook will then review your submitted ID and compare it to your account details. You may not be able to use Facebook as usual until your identity is confirmed.
What happens when you don’t confirm your identity?
If you fail to submit your identification when prompted by Facebook, your account may face restrictions such as:
- Losing access to your account until identity is confirmed
- Being unable to post content, comment, or interact with other accounts
- Having your posts and information hidden from public view
- Prevention from creating new Facebook Pages or ad accounts
- Banning of your account if identity cannot be verified
Essentially, Facebook limits what you can do on their platform until you comply with their identity confirmation requests. Your account remains at risk of suspension or banning if you continue avoiding verification.
Why did Facebook reject my ID?
There are a few common reasons why Facebook may reject an ID you’ve submitted:
- Unclear photo/scan – Can’t read your name, photo, details properly
- Mismatching details – Name, DOB etc. don’t match your Facebook account info
- Suspicious documents – ID appears forged, fake, or tampered with
- Unsupported documents – Submitted documentation Facebook doesn’t accept
- Technical errors – Glitches in file upload or ID processing
If your ID gets rejected, Facebook should notify you of the reason and prompt you to submit different identification or correct any errors.
What to do if Facebook rejects your ID
If your first ID submission gets rejected, here are some tips:
- Read Facebook’s reason for rejection – see what issue needs resolving.
- Provide a different type of ID – try your passport instead of driver’s license, for example.
- Retake the ID photo/scan – adjust angle, lighting to make it clear.
- Update your profile details – change info like your name if it mismatches your ID.
- Contact Facebook support – explain rejection reason to see if they can assist.
Persistence and open communication with Facebook support can often resolve erroneous rejections and help verify your account successfully.
How long does Facebook identity confirmation take?
The time it takes Facebook to review and confirm your identity can vary depending on a few factors:
- ID type – More officials IDs like passports may be faster than other documents.
- Submission quality – Clear, legible submissions are processed faster than unclear ones.
- Submission history – First time submissions tend to be slower; subsequent ones faster.
- Review workload – More submissions mean longer review times for Facebook.
Under normal circumstances, expect identity confirmation to take:
- 15-30 minutes for straightforward, clear submissions
- 1-3 days for more complex cases or first-time users
- 1 week or longer if errors need resolving
Facebook should notify you once the review is complete and confirmation is successful. Complex cases may involve additional identity checks.
Can you use Facebook without identity confirmation?
Technically, you can use Facebook to a limited extent without completing identity confirmation, but your account will be restricted. You won’t be able to post, comment, or interact fully until your ID is verified.
Allowing extended use of Facebook without identity confirmation undermines their efforts to increase safety and trust across the platform. So chances are your access will be very limited.
Risks of avoiding identity confirmation
Trying to avoid or delay identity confirmation carries a few risks:
- Losing access – Account can be locked until confirmation is complete.
- Missed updates – Your content/info may be hidden from others.
- Limited functionality – Can only do basic browsing, if that.
- Account deletion – Prolonged failure to confirm can lead to account deletion.
- Legal trouble – Avoiding identity checks may violate applicable laws.
It’s highly advisable to comply with Facebook’s confirmation requests promptly to restore full access and avoid account restrictions.
Does Facebook store your ID after confirming identity?
According to Facebook’s data policy, they may store photos or copies of IDs submitted strictly for identity confirmation purposes under strict security protocols. However, this is not a guarantee they store user IDs indefinitely.
Facebook states they keep ID documentation only as long as necessary for purposes such as:
- Confirming your identity
- Detecting and preventing fraud and abuse
- Complying with legal obligations
- Resolving disputes
Once identity is confirmed, they may delete your ID from their systems after a set retention period. Facebook also claims to limit employee access to stored IDs. That said, it’s safest to assume submitted IDs may be stored somewhere in Facebook’s systems even after confirmation.
Is it safe to give Facebook your ID?
Handing personal identification over to a social media platform understandably makes some users uneasy. However, Facebook claims to protect stored IDs with:
- Encryption – IDs are encrypted at rest and in transit.
- Access controls – Strict limits on which employees can access IDs.
- Cybersecurity – State-of-the-art cyber defenses against hacking.
- Minimized retention – Deleting IDs promptly when no longer required.
- Regulatory compliance – Following data protection laws for collecting/storing personal info.
While no system is 100% secure, Facebook has a strong incentive to keep users’ IDs safe to maintain trust in their platform. Proceed with caution as you would with any personal data shared online.
Is identity confirmation mandatory on Facebook?
Submitting ID is mandatory if Facebook prompts you for identity confirmation. Declining to provide documentation means you cannot fully access or use Facebook until confirmation occurs.
However, there are a few nuances around mandatory identity confirmation:
- Not all users go through it – Only triggered by specific activity.
- You can delete account – If unwilling to confirm identity, delete your account.
- Court orders – Legal decisions may interfere with requirements in rare cases.
- Policy changes – Facebook may adjust confirmation rules and requirements over time.
So while mandatory in most cases once initiated, identity confirmation is not yet a universal requirement for all Facebook users.
Conclusion
Identity confirmation is an important process that adds security, accountability and trust to the Facebook platform. While handing over personal IDs may give some users pause, Facebook provides the confirmation safeguards for your protection. Cooperating promptly with any requests minimizes disruptions and helps preserve your account access.