Claude, Anthropic’s consumer AI product, is now restricted to users 18 and older. The company has implemented safety systems to detect potential underage users and will disable accounts based on indicators of minor activity.
When Anthropic’s systems detect signals suggesting a user may be under 18, the account holder receives a notification and is asked to verify their age before continuing to use Claude. Users have the option to complete age verification through Yoti, an independently audited third-party age verification provider that maintains SOC2 compliance.
Yoti offers multiple verification methods to accommodate different user preferences. Users can opt for facial age estimation, which involves taking a selfie and allowing Yoti’s technology to estimate their age without requiring an ID document. Alternatively, users can submit ID verification by uploading a photo of an accepted document such as a passport, driving license, or national ID card. Users who already have Yoti’s Digital ID app installed can also share a verified “over 18” attribute from the app instead.
According to the support documentation, Anthropic has prioritized user data protection in this process. Yoti deletes selfies, document images, and any personal data immediately after checking age. Critically, Anthropic never receives access to users’ ID documents or images. The company receives only a pass or fail result from the verification process and does not process or store any personal data from the verification.
If a user successfully passes the age verification process, their Claude account is reinstated. The verification link is provided to users through a notification email when their account is flagged for age checking.
Key facts
- Claude is restricted to users 18 years and older
- Accounts flagged for potential underage activity are disabled until age is verified
- Yoti offers three verification methods: facial age estimation, ID document upload, or Digital ID app attribute sharing
- Anthropic does not receive or store users’ personal data, photos, or documents—only pass/fail verification results
- Yoti is SOC2 compliant and deletes all personal data immediately after verification