MUMBAI: Facebook began authenticating the pages of famous individuals and big brands at the social network on Wednesday, in a move that follows in Twitter?s footsteps.

"Today we?re launching Verified Pages to help people find the authentic accounts of celebrities and other high-profile people and businesses on Facebook," the California-based internet giant said in a blog post.

"You?ll see a blue badge next to their names." Verified Pages display small blue circles with a white check mark in the middle to indicate that identities have been confirmed.

"Verified Pages belong to a small group of prominent public figures (celebrities, journalists, government officials, popular brands and businesses) with large audiences," Facebook said.

"This update is rolling out to profiles as well."

Twitter has long featured similar verification badges that have become status symbols of sorts at the globally popular messaging service.