Anthropic has quietly introduced identity verification for users accessing its AI assistant Claude, requiring government-issued documents such as passports in some cases. The change, documented in an updated support article, allows the company to demand proof of identity at any time without prior notice. Documents are only accepted from countries where Claude is officially available, and Russia is not on the approved list.
Users who fail the verification process risk having their accounts suspended or permanently banned. The move follows reports that Anthropic has been actively removing accounts linked to Chinese users, though the company has not publicly confirmed this as the reason for the new policy.
The verification requirement applies to users in regions where Claude operates legally, including the United States, the European Union, and several other countries. Anthropic states that the policy aims to comply with local regulations and prevent misuse of the platform. The updated support page provides no timeline for when the checks will begin or how frequently they will be enforced.
The company’s decision reflects broader industry trends, as AI developers face increasing scrutiny over data privacy and regulatory compliance. Anthropic’s policy contrasts with competitors like OpenAI, which have not implemented similar mandatory identity checks for general access to their platforms.
Anthropic did not respond to requests for comment on the scope or enforcement of the new rule. The change has raised concerns among users about privacy and potential discrimination based on nationality.
Resources: support.claude.com