Anthropic may require ID upload for some Claude users under new policy

Anthropic has updated its privacy policy to include a section that may require users to prove their age or identity in certain circumstances. The policy, published in June and set to take effect on July 8, allows the company to request a photo scan of a passport or driver's license from users whose accounts have been flagged for potential fraud or violations of terms, as an alternative to outright banning.

While Anthropic has long required users to be over 18, the company introduced age verification checks earlier this year. Identity verification checks are now explicitly stated in the policy. When triggered, users must upload a government-issued ID, a selfie or video, and a face geometry template, which is considered biometric data in some states like Illinois.

Anthropic spokesperson Michael Aciman told TechCrunch that the change applies only to a "small subset" of flagged users, declining to specify numbers. The company says it may use the data to enforce terms of service, prevent fraud, and investigate security issues. The verification is performed by third-party provider Persona, which stores the data for a period determined by Anthropic. Unlike Roblox, which deletes images immediately after processing, Anthropic has not specified a deletion timeline.

This policy update occurs as Anthropic faces pressure from the Trump administration. The White House recently forced Anthropic to pull its cybersecurity models over jailbreak concerns. The Department of Defense earlier designated Anthropic a "supply chain risk" after the company refused to allow its technology for mass domestic surveillance or fully autonomous weapons.

Persona, the verification firm, is backed by Peter Thiel's Founders Fund, which also invests in Anthropic. Persona has faced user backlash for its ties to Thiel. Earlier this year, Discord quickly reversed its decision to use Persona for age verification after user protests.