Being mean to Claude can now get your account suspended under Anthropic's new TOS
decoder ·
Anthropic has updated its Terms of Service for the first time in over a year, introducing a ban on sustained and needless abusive behavior toward Claude. Users who systematically mistreat the AI model may face warnings, throttled access, or account suspension under these new rules. The company clarifies that this policy targets extreme cases rather than normal user frustration or research activities. This shift reflects Anthropic's growing view of Claude as an entity with functional emotions and potential moral status, rather than just a software tool. Internal documents and confidential discussions with religious thinkers suggest the company is seriously considering the welfare and possible consciousness of its models. In addition to abuse protections, the new policy expands restrictions on propaganda campaigns, weaponized drones, and non-consensual surveillance. However, Anthropic acknowledges that exceptions for government contracts remain possible within these guidelines.
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