Skip to main content

Claude Code Model Training Data Usage

Anthropic has updated their consumer terms and privacy policy to request permission for using chats and coding sessions to train AI models and improve Claude for everyone. Understanding these changes helps you make informed decisions about your Claude Code usage and data privacy preferences.

What Changed​

Consumer Consent Policy

Anthropic now asks for your permission to use your interactions for model improvement, but only with your explicit consent. This applies specifically to conversations and coding sessions that help train AI models to become safer, better at coding, analysis, and reasoning. The goal is improving Claude's capabilities to benefit all users while maintaining transparent control over your data.

Your participation is entirely voluntary and you maintain full control over this choice. If you consent, only new or resumed chats and coding sessions will be used for training purposes - never your historical conversations or previous coding work.

Account Types Affected

The updated consumer terms affect specific account types:

  • Consumer Accounts (Affected): Claude Free, Claude Pro, and Claude Max accounts, including when using Claude Code with these subscription plans
  • Commercial Accounts (Not Affected): Anthropic API users, Claude for Work, Claude for Education, and other commercial/enterprise services

This distinction is important because API users and commercial customers operate under different data processing agreements that aren't subject to these consumer policy changes.

Your Control and Choices​

Opt-In/Opt-Out Process

You have complete control over whether your data is used for model training. When using Claude Code with consumer accounts, you can choose to participate in model improvement or decline. Your choice applies to all future interactions while you can change your preference at any time through your account settings.

If you opt-in, you're contributing to AI safety research and helping improve Claude's coding, analysis, and reasoning capabilities for all users. If you opt-out, your conversations and coding sessions won't be used for model training while you continue to receive the same Claude Code functionality.

What Gets Used When You Consent

When you opt-in to model training data usage:

  • Coding Sessions: Your Claude Code interactions, including prompts, responses, and code analysis conversations
  • Safety Training: Data helps train classifiers to make AI models safer and more reliable
  • Capability Improvement: Conversations help Claude improve at coding, analysis, and reasoning tasks
  • Timing: Only new or resumed sessions are used, never historical data from before your consent

Privacy and Security Considerations​

Data Protection Standards

Even when you consent to model training usage, Anthropic maintains strict privacy and security standards. Your data is processed according to their privacy policy with enterprise-grade security measures. Model training uses your interactions to improve AI capabilities while maintaining data protection protocols.

The focus on safety training means your data helps create better AI systems that are more reliable and beneficial for everyone. This includes training classifiers to detect and prevent harmful outputs, making Claude safer for all users.

Alternative Options

If you prefer not to participate in model training, consider these alternatives:

  • API Usage: Switch to Anthropic API authentication, which isn't subject to consumer training policies and operates under different data processing agreements
  • Commercial Plans: Claude for Work and Education accounts have different terms and aren't affected by these consumer policy changes
  • Opt-Out: Continue using consumer accounts while opting out of model training data usage

Best Practices​

Making Your Choice

Consider your specific use case and privacy requirements when deciding about model training participation. Personal projects and learning activities might be good candidates for contributing to model improvement, while sensitive commercial work might benefit from API usage or opting out.

Remember that you can change your choice at any time, allowing you to adjust your preference as your usage patterns or privacy needs evolve. The key is understanding what data is involved and how it contributes to AI improvement.

For Sensitive Work

When working with sensitive code or proprietary information:

  • Opt-Out: Choose not to participate in model training for sensitive projects
  • API Alternative: Consider switching to API authentication for sensitive work
  • Code Review: Be mindful of what code and information you include in Claude Code sessions
Your Data, Your Choice

You have complete control over whether your Claude Code sessions contribute to model training. This choice helps balance AI improvement benefits with your privacy preferences, and you can change it anytime.

See Also: Data Storage Policy|API vs Subscription|Claude AI Safety

Last updated on