Anthropic Adds ID Verification for Some Claude Users

Anthropic has started selectively requiring ID verification for some Claude subscribers, triggered for certain accounts rather than rolled out universally. In a mid-April 2026 help-center update, the company said some users may be asked to verify their identity with Persona before accessing specific Claude capabilities. In triggered cases, users must use a camera-enabled device and submit a physical government-issued photo ID (passport, driver’s license, or national ID card) plus a live selfie scan. Anthropic rejects screenshots, digital copies, and non-government credentials. It says Persona runs the workflow, while Anthropic only uses the verification results as needed for account review or appeals. The data is encrypted and claimed to be excluded from model training and not used for marketing. User reaction is sharply negative, with many calling it “AI KYC” and comparing Anthropic’s approach to competitors that reportedly do not require the same ID verification step for standard chatbot access. For crypto traders, the direct effect on token prices is likely limited, but the backlash could influence broader sentiment toward AI platforms tied to privacy and compliance narratives.