Anthropic, the developer of the Claude AI assistant, has initiated the implementation of identity verification for users engaging in specific features or undergoing routine platform integrity checks. Although the company has not disclosed the specific features or actions that will prompt this 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 accessing certain features or as part of standard safety and compliance protocols.
Persona Identities has been chosen by Anthropic as its verification partner. The verification process mandates a valid, physical government-issued photo ID such as a passport, driver’s license, or national identity card. Additionally, users need a device with a camera to capture a live selfie. Anthropic claims that the verification process typically takes less than five minutes.
Digital or mobile IDs, photocopies, scans, temporary paper documents, and non-government identification like student cards or employee badges are not considered valid.
In this setup, Anthropic serves as the data controller, setting regulations on the utilization and retention of verification information. Persona manages the data on behalf of Anthropic. The ID photos and selfies are gathered and stored by Persona, not on Anthropic’s systems. Anthropic can access verification records through Persona’s platform when needed, such as during an appeal review, but does not duplicate or retain the images internally.
The company has emphasized certain restrictions on data usage. Verification data is not utilized for training AI models and is not shared with third parties for marketing purposes. Persona is contractually obligated to solely utilize the data for verification services and enhancing fraud prevention, and must delete it in accordance with retention guidelines set by Anthropic and relevant laws.
Users who fail verification are given multiple attempts and are advised to ensure the clarity of images, readability of documents, and validity of identification. If attempts are exhausted, users can reach out to Anthropic for a review.
Anthropic also mentioned that accounts may be suspended post-verification for reasons such as repeated policy violations, creation from unsupported locations, breaches of terms of service, or underage usage. Users who believe their account was mistakenly disabled have the option to appeal the decision.
