Anthropic, the developer of the Claude AI assistant, is now implementing identity verification for users who wish to access specific features or undergo routine platform integrity checks. The company has not disclosed the exact features or actions that will prompt this verification requirement.
The purpose of this measure, according to the company, is to prevent misuse, enforce usage guidelines, and adhere to legal obligations. Users may encounter a verification prompt when trying to access certain features or as part of standard safety and compliance protocols.
Persona Identities has been chosen by Anthropic as the verification partner. To complete the verification process, users need to provide a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport, driver’s license, or national identity card, and take a live selfie using a phone or computer camera. Anthropic estimates that the verification process typically takes less than five minutes.
Digital or mobile IDs, photocopies, scans, temporary paper documents, and non-government IDs like student cards or employee badges are not acceptable for verification purposes.
In this arrangement, Anthropic serves as the data controller, establishing guidelines on how verification information is utilized and stored. Persona handles the data on behalf of Anthropic. The ID images and selfies are managed and stored by Persona, not within Anthropic’s systems. Anthropic can access verification data through Persona’s platform when needed, such as during an appeal review, without replicating or retaining the images.
The company has outlined specific restrictions on the use of the data. Verification data is not utilized for training AI models, shared with external parties for marketing, or advertising purposes. Persona is contractually bound to utilize the data solely for verification services and enhancing fraud prevention, and must delete it in accordance with retention guidelines set by Anthropic and relevant regulations.
If verification attempts are unsuccessful, users are provided with multiple chances and are encouraged to ensure that the images and documents are clear and up-to-date. Those who exhaust their attempts can reach out to Anthropic for further review.
Anthropic has mentioned that accounts could be deactivated post-verification due to reasons such as recurring policy violations, creation from unsupported locations, breaches of terms of service, or underage usage. Users who believe their accounts were disabled erroneously can utilize the appeal process for consideration.