Seeing that shiny “Verified” badge on someone else’s Twitter profile can cause envy in some users — there are many cases of impostors on the service and, yeah, I know it’d make me feel special too. It’s OK though, if you’re a Google Buzz user in the U.S., you may be able to verify your name.
It’s actually not a new feature but something that was simply forgotten over the past year or so — thanks to EndofWeb for remembering. The process is completed through Knol, one of Google’s side projects. It’s easy, free, and important to be able to give people the peace of mind that it’s really you.
DISCLAIMER: Before you read any further, keep in mind that this only works in the United States right now. One of the two methods of verification is unique to the country. Let’s hope they expand it in the future.
1. Go to Knol.
Look to the top right corner of the page, and sign in with your main Google information. Once signed in, look back up to that same spot and click on the preferences link. You’ll be directed to a dashboard of all sorts of options, but the tab you want is Name Verification — click on it.
Now, you’ll see two options once you click on the tab, that will look like this:
2. Choose an option to verify.
So, it’s really up to you which way you’d like to verify — either with your credit card info, or your Social Security Number. Both work just as well. How does Google get this information? We’re not sure, but it’s safe either way.
I used my SSN (it also asked me for my current address) and I received verification within five minutes.
If it doesn’t work as fast, don’t worry, it may take some time — just keep an eye on your inbox.
Now, check out the new addition to your profile page and do a happy dance, because you’re awesome.
Maybe it is because I'm based in the Netherlands but I don't see that option here? <div class=”thumbnail”><img src=”http://img.skitch.com/20100212-rqy8x2eca18t95kqqc74dnqukh.preview.jpg” alt=”Knol – a unit of knowledge: share what you know, publish your expertise.” />
Uploaded with plasq's Skitch!</div>
Didn't bother to look at your link, but just wanted to point out that the author of this post mentioned numerous times that the method she described only works in the US, meaning the United States (of America).
Ouch, missed that.
This is weird, i don't have that option.
Reporting from India. ;)
Oopsy. read it properly and the comments. Ya just for US :)
I'm from the US, so I can probably avail of this, but I don't really have any interest in Buzz.
Living outside the US has been an interesting experience. It kinda redefines your outlook on the Internet. I didn't realize how much of it was restricted based on country until now.
Here's a conspiracy theory for you.
If you link your SSN to your Google Profile aren't you giving proof positive of identity, and thereby allowing the government to more closely scrutinize your life? People have a lot of information wrapped up in Google Profiles and connected services these days.
Shit…I don't have the verification tab
No…I am Android
What if one lives abroad, but owns an international credit card? Will he/she be able to verify their name?
I keep getting an error and “Try again later”. So far, no luck here. Mine should be easy, same name my whole life, same address for 20 years… and yet, it can't seem to find me, or the system is overloaded.
Yeah, why in the world does Google needs this information? Is it not obvious to Google that I am who I claimed to be for the last 5 years I've had my Gmail address?!
Don't be a smart ass. I never said it wasn't necessary to verify your identity before saying your name is verified. I'm merely pointing out how much of our personal information we're putting up for personal scrutiny by a private company and potentially the government.
it's only experimental and is not guaranteed to work for everyone.. even their FAQ says there's only like a 50% success rate in verifying people because of the data centers they use. and yes, suspicious google asking for ssn
hey, it's only avaible in United States…!
My profile has been verified – http://drp.ly/oKyc8. Thanks for the info. Please add me to your Buzz list.
TNW-ber checking in here.
What's weird was Knol couldn't verify me via credit card. I used one I've had for years and keep up to date. I just think that's odd because credit card verifications are very common online.
Instead, I did do the SSN verification and that worked just fine. Privacy does matter to me, but we use our SSNs in a lot of things, including utility service (depending on the company). If you want to verify share. If not, don't.
I wasn't being a smart ass. I was agreeing with you and saying that I don't think Google is entitled to this information because of such ramifications.
You read too much into it.
Wow, the whole ssn number thing worries me!
So you unquestioningly coughed up your SS# to Google. Yay for the end of personal privacy. Awesome!
Another point: with the GPS on your Android phone and your SS# Google, your phone carrier and the government know exactly who and where you are at all times. Why don't you just go and get an ankle bracelet, then you could have all the awesome personal privacy that convicted pedophiles enjoy. Awesome!
Looks fairly easy to set up, hope they roll it out for the UK soon. I put up a couple of knol's some time back and went through the verification process, so shouldn't need to do it again. This should be done by Google by default if you already have a credit card registered with them.
USA-Only. Fail!
So tired of this.
For some reason, when I tried to verify using my ss, it didn’t work, but was told to try later.
I must have waited too long to try this because the “name verification” tab is not available to me and I’m in the US.