Government Verification Policy (Grey Badge)

1. Purpose of Government Verification

The grey badge identifies official accounts operated by government entities or public officials. Its goals are to:

• Help users distinguish authentic government communications from impersonators.
• Support accurate public information, especially during elections and crises.
• Reduce risks of misinformation, spoofing, and identity abuse.

2. Eligible Government Entities

Examples of eligible entities include:

• National, federal, or central government departments and ministries.
• Regional, provincial, or state-level authorities.
• Municipalities, city governments, and local councils.
• Official agencies (e.g., health, emergency, taxation, electoral bodies).
• Intergovernmental organizations (where recognized under international law).

3. Eligible Public Officials

In addition to institutional accounts, certain individual public officials may receive the government badge, such as:

• Heads of state or government.
• Cabinet ministers and senior government executives.
• Members of parliament or legislative bodies.
• Mayors and senior local officials.

Personal accounts of public officials must clearly indicate their role and are subject to the same conduct rules as all other users.

4. Verification Requirements

• Official email domain associated with the institution or body (e.g., .gov, .parliament).
• Publicly listed position or office in a recognized government or institution.
• Clear link from the agency’s official website to the Vibble account where feasible.
• Confirmation letter or digital attestation from an authorized official, if requested.

5. Crisis Communication & Exceptions

During emergencies (e.g., natural disasters, public health crises), Vibble may accelerate verification for relevant agencies or officials to support timely and reliable communication.

Such expedited verification does not exempt the account from compliance with platform rules and may be reviewed after the crisis period ends.

6. Election Period Rules

During election periods, additional safeguards may apply to government-verified accounts to reduce confusion and misuse:

• Clear labeling of official government vs. candidate/campaign accounts.
• Stricter enforcement against misleading changes to display names or bios.
• Enhanced monitoring for impersonation and coordinated manipulation.

7. Neutrality & Non-Endorsement

Government badges indicate authenticity only. They do not represent Vibble’s agreement with, or endorsement of, policies, positions, or statements made by the account.

8. Loss of Status & Badge Removal

A government badge may be removed if:

• The official leaves office and the account is repurposed as a personal account.
• The institution is dissolved, restructured, or rebranded without update.
• The account is compromised or repeatedly violates Vibble’s rules.

Badge Removal & Misuse Penalties and Impersonation Enforcement Rules apply in full to government accounts.

9. Appeals & Corrections

Government entities may request corrections, badge updates, or appeal decisions via designated channels. Vibble may request updated documentation or official letters as part of re-verification.

10. Contact

Government Verification: gov-verify@vibble.com
Public Sector & Institutions: publicsector@vibble.com
Election & Civic Integrity: elections@vibble.com