Google+ adds verification badges to profiles

In yet another effort against fake profiles, Google has started rolling out a new feature for members of its upcoming social network Google+ — verification badges. Google's Wen-Ai Yu said the feature will initially be rolled out to celebrities, public figures and people who had been added to many Google+ circles. "We’re starting to roll out verification badges on profiles so you can be sure the person you’re adding to a circle is who they claim to be ... For now, we’re focused on verifying public figures, celebrities, and people who have been added to a large number of Circles, but we’re working on expanding this to more folks," she said in a blog post. She noted that many Google+ members want to make sure the celebrities and public figures they would add to their circles are who they claim to be. The new feature can be seen as a gray checkmark next to the Google+ member's name. Mousing or hovering over the checkmark will trigger an indication that this is a “verified name." For now Google is focusing the new feature on public figures, celebrities, and people who have been added to a large number of Circles. — RSJ, GMA News