Using AI services may soon require more than just an email address. American AI company Anthropic has introduced a new privacy policy that allows the company to verify users’ identities in certain situations.
Under the new rules, some users may be asked to provide government-issued ID documents, selfies, or video verification.
The policy will apply only to consumer users on Claude Free, Pro, and Max plans. Business and enterprise users are currently not included.
Users May Need to Submit Passport or Driver’s License
According to Anthropic’s updated policy, users may be required to prove their age and identity in specific cases.
This could involve submitting a selfie, a short video, or government-issued documents such as a passport or driver’s license.
The company also mentioned that facial geometry templates may be created during the verification process. These changes are scheduled to take effect from July 8.
When Will Identity Verification Be Required?
Anthropic says verification will not be mandatory for every user. Instead, it may be requested when users challenge restrictions placed on their accounts or when the company needs to investigate fraud, security risks, or potential misuse of its AI services.
The company already requires users to be at least 18 years old to access its Claude AI models. Earlier this year, Anthropic also introduced age verification requirements in certain regions to comply with local laws.
The identity verification process will be handled by a third-party company called Persona. Users may also be asked to complete verification before accessing certain features.
Privacy Concerns Raise Questions
The updated policy has sparked concerns among privacy experts and users. Many have questioned the collection of biometric information and the creation of identity databases, which could become targets for cybercriminals.
However, Anthropic has clarified that this is not a system designed to verify the identity of all users.
According to the company, these measures will only be used in specific cases involving suspicious activity, account reviews, or security-related investigations.
