Anthropic has announced updates to its Consumer Terms and Privacy Policy, effective for users of Claude Free, Claude Pro, and Claude Max. These changes introduce an opt-in mechanism for users to allow their conversational data to be used for improving Claude models and strengthening safeguards against harmful usage. This update applies to Claude Code sessions associated with these plans.
Users now have the choice to contribute their data to enhance model safety and improve Claude's capabilities in areas such as coding, analysis, and reasoning. The updates do not apply to services under Commercial Terms, including Claude for Work, Claude for Government, Claude for Education, or API use via third parties like Amazon Bedrock and Google Cloud’s Vertex AI.
Key Points
- Users of Claude Free, Pro, and Max can now opt in to allow their conversations to be used for model improvement.
- The data retention period for participants who opt in is five years.
- This policy change applies to new or resumed chats and coding sessions.
- Existing users have until October 8, 2025, to accept the updated Consumer Terms and make their data-sharing decision.
- If users do not opt in for model training, the existing 30-day data retention period remains in effect.
- The five-year retention period also applies to feedback submitted about Claude's responses.
- Anthropic states it uses tools and automated processes to filter or obfuscate sensitive data and does not sell user data to third parties.
Context
According to Anthropic, these updates are designed to help deliver more capable and useful AI models. By participating, users can contribute to improving model safety, making systems for detecting harmful content more accurate, and enhancing future Claude models' skills. Users retain control over this setting and can change their preference in their Privacy Settings at any time.
Why It Matters
These policy updates provide Claude users with a choice regarding their data's contribution to AI model development. For builders and users, understanding these terms is important for managing personal data and contributing to model improvement, or opting out to maintain a shorter data retention period.
What To Do
- Review the updated Consumer Terms and Privacy Policy on Anthropic's website.
- Note the October 8, 2025, deadline for existing users to accept the updated terms and make a data-sharing decision.
- Check your Privacy Settings within Claude to manage your data-sharing preferences.
- Observe how the five-year data retention period applies to new or resumed chats and coding sessions if you opt in.