More reasons to go local: Claude is beginning to require identity verification, including an valid ID like passport or drivers license and a facial recognition scan.

Reddit r/LocalLLaMA / 4/17/2026

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Key Points

  • Claude is reportedly starting to require identity verification before use, including submitting a valid ID such as a passport or driver’s license.
  • The verification process additionally involves a facial recognition scan, which raises privacy and consent considerations for users.
  • This change is being cited as another reason for teams to prefer “going local” deployments that avoid external identity checks.
  • The update suggests a broader trend toward tighter user authentication and compliance controls in mainstream AI services.