Anthropic introduces identity verification for Claude users
Published: 20/04/2026
| Anthropic
Anthropic has announced the introduction of identity verification for users of its Claude platform. This measure is intended to prevent abuse, enforce usage policies, and ensure compliance with legal obligations. Users may encounter verification prompts when accessing specific capabilities or during routine platform integrity and safety checks.
The process is managed by Persona, the controversial Peter Thiel-backed company that provides age verification services. Users must provide a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport or driver's licence, and may be required to submit a live selfie. Identification documents and images are held by Persona rather than on Anthropic systems, though Anthropic retains access for necessary ID checks.
The company has confirmed that identity data will only be used for verification and compliance purposes and will not be used to train its AI models or shared with third parties for marketing or advertising.
Additional commentary in The Register and Engadget.
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