Anthropic Implements Identity Verification for Flagged Claude Users

Anthropic updated its privacy policy to require identity and age verification for a small subset of Claude users effective July 8, 2026. The process requires flagged users to upload government-issued passports or driver's licenses and submit selfie photos or videos to create biometric face geometry templates.

These measures aim to combat fraud and abuse while allowing users to appeal account bans. The policy follows a December announcement regarding the deactivation of accounts belonging to individuals under 18. The company has contracted Persona Identities to handle the identity-checking process and data storage.

The rollout occurs amid significant tension with the U.S. government. The Trump administration recently blocked foreign nationals from accessing the Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models, and the Department of Defense previously designated the company as a supply chain risk. Anthropic representatives have denied that the new verification system is related to the government's restrictions on its latest models.