What are the advantages of additional authentication?

By performing this additional account authentication step, you will be able to post messages on the message boards, send private messages to other users, edit and add to our IMDb FAQ, Parental Guides, Plot Synopsis and Character Names sections, and will gain access to extra features on our site as they become available. The additional authentication is purely voluntary and will help IMDb produce features to reduce the amount of spam, trolling and other malicious or disruptive activity on our site over time.

To sign up simply follow this link.

This page has a FAQ with additional information on this program that you can read before proceeding.

Note: Once you successfully complete this authentication, clicking the above link will bring you back to the page that brought you here thereafter.

For your reference, here's a link to our Privacy Policy.
Why authenticate?
� Why do I need to do this?

You don't. Providing additional authentication for your account is completely voluntary, but doing so will allow you to post on the message boards, report abuse on the message boards system, send private messages to other users, contribute information on our IMDb FAQ pages, and other cool features on this site restricted to users with authentication status.

� What are the advantages of getting authenticated?

Our goal is to make this site a great place for people to gather. Unfortunately, there are always those whose idea of fun is to make the site less enjoyable for everyone else.
This authentication step will give us some additional tools and technologies to help reward those who help us maintain a positive atmosphere on our site.
Once you've provided additional authentication, you will be able to contribute to our IMDb FAQ pages and other data sections. On the message boards you will be able to post messages, report abusive messages, and send private messages.

� Can I authenticate more than one account?

Yes. Our current system allows more than one registered account to authenticate using the same credentials. (A credential is the method used to authenticate - e.g. the same cell phone number or credit card). We've done this to, for example, let a family member to authenticate others in their household.
However, if the credential is withdrawn for any reason (the most likely reason being abuse on the message boards), then all associated accounts lose all advantages of authentication status - instantly.

� Do I have to pay for this?

Absolutely not. We are providing a few ways for you to authenticate.
If you wish to authenticate using a credit card, it will not be charged. Note: some card vendors may show a temporary authorization of $1 from IMDb.com.
If you chose to provide an SMS-capable mobile telephone number we will send you a SMS text message, and any applicable fees your service plan charges for receipt of a text message will apply. Check your cell phone service plan for more details.

� I've heard about the 'stars'. Where are they?

Authenticated accounts get an orange star displayed next to their username in the profile. This should not be interpreted as any kind of validation/recommendation/endorsement by IMDb of this account, only that the authentication information has been provided.

� IMDb has my credit card information (I'm registered with Pro/Resume/etc), do I need to give this information again?

Pro and Resume users automatically gain authentication status.

� If I use my cellular phone will you ever call or text me again?

We will send only one text message to your phone for this verification step and we will never call or text you in the future without explicitly asking for your permission. Also, we will never share your number with any third-party companies.

� Will receiving a text message cost me any money?

Depending on your service plan it may or may not cost you money. Check your cell phone service plan for more details.