Anthropic suddenly requires ID verification—do I also need facial recognition to use Claude?

Anthropic has officially announced that it will introduce an identity verification process for certain Claude use cases. The change has quickly sparked discussion within the user community, especially after some users reported already being prompted to complete the verification.

When Is Identity Verification Required?

According to Anthropic, users may see an identity verification prompt when attempting to access specific features. The main scenarios that may trigger verification include:

• Accessing certain advanced features

• Routine platform integrity checks

• Security and compliance requirements

Some users have reported encountering the verification process while subscribing to Claude’s highest-tier Max plan.

Verification Process: ID and Facial Recognition Required

Based on available information, the verification process itself is relatively straightforward and typically takes less than five minutes to complete. Users will need to prepare:

• A government-issued physical photo ID (such as a passport, driver’s license, or national ID card)

• A smartphone or computer with a camera to capture a live selfie for facial verification

It is important to note that photocopies, screenshots, student IDs, bank cards, and similar documents are not accepted. Users must provide an original physical government-issued ID for verification.

How Is the Data Used? Anthropic’s Privacy Commitments

Anthropic’s identity verification partner is Persona Identities. The company states that it selected Persona based on its technical capabilities and privacy safeguards.

Regarding data usage, Anthropic has made the following commitments:

• Verification data will not be used to train AI models

• Data will not be shared with third parties for marketing or advertising purposes

• Data will only be exchanged among the user, Persona, and Anthropic, unless disclosure is required by law

Can Accounts Still Be Suspended After Verification?

Anthropic also notes that even after completing identity verification, accounts may still be suspended under the following circumstances:

• Repeated violations of usage policies

• Account creation from unsupported regions

• Breaches of the terms of service

• Users under the age of 18

Controversy and the Platform’s Position

Some users have interpreted the move as a restriction targeting access from specific regions, and debate around the policy continues. Anthropic emphasizes that its core principle is that “powerful technology must be used responsibly, and platforms need to know who is using it.”

However, for users accustomed to anonymous or low-barrier access to AI tools, the added identity requirement undoubtedly raises the threshold for use and may shift expectations about the openness of AI platforms.