Anthropic can ask some Claude users to prove their age or identity under a new privacy policy update that takes effect on July 8, 2026. The company has added a “Verification Data” category that covers government IDs, face photos or videos, and biometric data like facial geometry to help enforce Claude’s rules.
Under the updated policy, Anthropic may collect images of government‑issued IDs, such as passports or driver’s licenses, along with a selfie or short video. It can also use third‑party verification providers to ensure a photographic license and a recent selfie match. The company can keep both the raw files and the verification results to manage accounts and handle security or policy concerns, TechCrunch reports.
Claude may request IDs or facial scans from users under “certain circumstances,” though the policy does not provide examples. So far, it seems this addendum could apply to Claude Free, Pro, and Max accounts, but might not apply in the same way to business options like Team or Enterprise, which operate under separate terms.
Anthropic already requires users to be at least 18 years old, and the new language gives the company a clearer basis for verifying age claims and responding to suspected abuse, fraud, or legal issues. That said, it’s troubling that Anthropic hasn’t been clear about what prompts or actions might trigger an age check.
