Facebook Platform's Application Verification Program is designed to offer extra assurances to help users identify applications they can trust — applications that are secure, respectful and transparent, and have demonstrated commitment to compliance with Platform's policies. The verification program is a complement to the ongoing policy enforcement we do to keep the Platform ecosystem safe for users and fair for you as developers.
Overview
In September 2008, we will open up the program, so you can apply for verification if you are interested. In addition to an application form, there will be a processing fee to cover costs of the review and to ensure that our teams focus on the applications that are serious about building user and business value.
The actual verification process will check various components of your application to ensure it respects users. Some components that may be reviewed include:
- Major integration points to ensure they are used as intended
- The flows that trigger communications users and friends
- The content of the communications
Shortly after the Application Verification Program launches, we will start placing badges on the About Pages for verified applications and highlight them in the Application Directory. We also expect to give verified applications more visibility in certain communications channels on Facebook compared to applications that have not been verified.
To prepare for the launch of the Application Verification Program, you should make sure your applications comply with existing policies and are consistent with the guiding principles for Trustworthy applications. We will publish many more details about the program here so check back for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is Facebook launching this program?
- We are committed to the success of all our developers, and together our partnership depends on providing users with as much value as possible while keeping their trust. The Application Verification Program will help give users additional assurances of safety, which we believe will help more users embrace Platform applications in general. The program also provides a fair opportunity for developers to identify their commitment to respectful user experiences.
- How will this benefit Facebook users?
- The Application Verification Program will offer extra assurances to help Facebook users identify applications they can trust — applications that are secure, respectful and transparent, and have demonstrated commitment to compliance with Platform's policies.
- How will applications be reviewed, and what does the verification program do for developers?
- The verification process will include reviews of all the major integration points, particularly distribution triggers and resulting communications, with Facebook providing feedback to developers. You may submit each of your applications into the program only once every six months. In terms of benefits, verified application developers will gain additional visibility in various communication channels (note: the application reputation system continues to exist). Developers of verified applications can also indicate their applications' trustworthiness to users on their application About pages and within the Application Directory.
- What types of information will I need to provide when I apply for the verification program?
- You will need to complete an application form which includes descriptions and screenshots of the applicationâs core functions and flows that trigger user communications. In addition, you may be required to provide personally identifying information so we can begin to build stronger relationships with developers of our verified applications.
- Why is there a fee for the Application Verification Program?
- The processing fee for the verification program helps cover costs of the detailed review cycle. In addition, the fee helps ensure that our review teams spend time on those who are serious about building user and business value on Facebook Platform. Although your application fee is non-refundable, we expect that the materials we publish when we launch the verification program will give you clear expectations of what the verification process seeks.
- How long does verification last? Can I lose the verification badge?
- The verification badge that will be visible to users within the Application Directory and on the application About pages will show a visual indicator of how recently the verification was completed. The badge will remain up for as long as your application is in compliance, but users will have an easy way to report any issues with your application, whereupon the application will be re-examined. Depending on the severity of the issues, you may lose your verification temporarily or until you reapply for verification. If issues of policy surface during a verification process, you will be notified about options for corrective changes. You are permitted to reapply, although applications can apply only once every six months.