Validation is a panel specific setting that adds a human element between the Member sign ups to Member Confirmation.
When a panel member joins your panel- they must confirm their email address.
When Validation is NOT enabled:
This member gets the automatic email, letting them know they are a confirmed member of the panel and will be invited to surveys shortly.
When Validation IS enabled:
This member is placed into the status Awaiting Validation. They will receive an automatic email letting them know that they are going through a validation stage (and to provide additional information you may need to validate that they are a real human being and are who they claim they are). Your Panel manager can then review their information, and Validate them in the Edit Members field. Once they have been Validated- they will receive an email stating they are now a fully Confirmed member and can be invited to studies.
Validation can be enabled in Panel > Overview > General Information (upon clicking on the panel) > Additional Options > Require Validation.