Users who switched to Claude AI over surveillance concerns now face a new requirement: government-issued photo identification. Anthropic has begun asking some Claude users to submit passports, driver's licenses, or national ID cards before accessing certain platform capabilities. The identity check system, rolled out through partner Persona Identities, represents the first formal ID gating mechanism among major consumer AI providers. Neither OpenAI's ChatGPT nor Google's Gemini currently require similar documentation from users.
Prompts appear when accessing specific features, during routine platform integrity checks, or as part of safety and compliance measures. Users must provide physical, photo-bearing government documents from most countries, along with a live selfie captured via phone or webcam in some cases.
The requirement is framed as necessary for responsible technology deployment.
"Being responsible with powerful technology starts with knowing who is using it,"
according to help center documentation. This helps prevent abuse, enforce usage policies, and comply with legal obligations.
The timing creates an awkward contrast with recent user migration patterns. Millions joined Claude in February after OpenAI signed a deal to deploy AI on Pentagon classified networks, a contract Anthropic turned down over mass surveillance concerns. Daily signups broke records at that time, with free users increasing 60% since January according to company statements.
Persona Identities collects and stores user information on behalf of Anthropic, which can access check records through Persona's platform when needed for appeals or reviews. The firm says it does not copy or store those images directly.
Anthropic explicitly states it will not use identity data to train its AI models or share it with third parties beyond verification purposes and legal compliance requirements. The entire process typically completes in under five minutes according to documentation.
The move positions the AI firm ahead of potential regulatory requirements while creating immediate competitive differentiation. As one social media observer noted earlier this week: "Claude now requires government ID verification before subscription. ChatGPT doesn't. Gemini doesn't."
