Meta introduces face recognition to help UAE users recover hacked accounts

Meta is introducing facial recognition tools to help UAE users recover hacked accounts on Facebook and Instagram and stop scams that misuse public figures’ images. The technology compares suspicious ads to verified profile photos and removes them automatically if a match is found.

Well-known individuals in the region are automatically enrolled in the programme but can opt out if they choose. A new video selfie feature has also been rolled out to help users regain access to compromised accounts.

This allows identity verification through a short video matched with existing profile photos, offering a faster and more secure alternative to document-based checks.

Meta confirmed that all facial data used for verification is encrypted, deleted immediately after use, and never repurposed.

The company says this is part of a broader effort to fight impersonation scams and protect both public figures and regular users, not just in the UAE but elsewhere too.

Meta’s regional director highlighted the emotional and financial harm such scams can cause, reinforcing the need for proactive defences.

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