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How to Stop Anthropic AI from Using Your Chats for Training

TL;DR

Anthropic’s AI chatbot Claude will, by default, use your chat transcripts for AI training starting September 28, 2025, except for enterprise/government users and API clients. Most users are automatically opted in, but you can easily opt out via privacy settings—read on to learn exactly how to secure your data and understand what’s changing.

Introduction

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes more ingrained in our daily digital activities, privacy concerns have risen to the forefront—especially regarding how tech firms use our conversations and data to enhance their AI models. Anthropic—a leading AI company backed by Amazon and the team behind the popular Claude chatbot—just announced a significant privacy policy update: Starting September 28, 2025, most Claude users will have their chat history used by default for AI model training, unless they opt out.

If you use Claude or are just concerned about the evolving privacy landscape surrounding generative AI, this post breaks down everything you need to know—why Anthropic is making this move, who is affected, the exact steps to opt out, what it means for your privacy, and important trends in user data and AI.

What Is Changing in Anthropic’s Privacy Policy?

Anthropic has updated its Consumer Terms and Privacy Policy to allow the use of personal chat transcripts for training their AI chatbot, Claude. This updated policy automatically opts in most users (across all subscription levels: Free, Pro, Max, and Code) as of September 28, 2025.

Who Is Affected?

All Claude user accounts (Free, Pro, Max, Code subscribers)
Users who access via standard consumer web or mobile Claude apps
Individuals who don’t specifically opt out before or after the deadline

Who Is Not Affected?

Enterprise and special licenses: Claude for Work (Team & Enterprise), Claude Gov, Claude Education
API Users: Third-party clients using the Claude API via Amazon Bedrock or Google Cloud Vertex AI
Organizations with custom data-sharing agreements

Why Is Anthropic Making This Change?

The AI industry, driven by advances in Large Language Models (LLMs), relies heavily on vast amounts of real-world conversational data to improve natural language understanding, safety, and accuracy. Allowing more chats into Claude’s training pipeline:

Improves AI performance by exposing the model to diverse, real user queries
Helps catch and prevent harmful use or misuse patterns
Keeps Claude competitive with other generative AIs (like ChatGPT, Gemini) whose makers are also updating their privacy terms for training
Some companies—e.g., Meta, OpenAI—have been quietly updating data policies to expand training data sources, causing user backlash and privacy debates

Common Concerns: What Data is Collected and Stored?

According to Anthropic’s announcement:

New and resumed chats (after opting in or after the Sept 28 deadline) will be used for training
Old chats before this date will not be retroactively included for AI training if you newly opt in
Data is stored for up to five years, used to identify misuse/harmful usage patterns (old policy allowed retention for only 30 days)

Anthropic emphasizes that opts-in chats may be reviewed by automated and sometimes human moderation to flag violations. However, private, enterprise, and API data is NOT used for general model training unless under a specific opt-in agreement.

How to Opt Out: Step-by-Step Guide

Who Needs to Take Action?

All regular Claude users who do not want their future chats used for model training.
Even if you accepted the policy but changed your mind—you’re still allowed to opt out at any time.

New Users (First-time Signing Up):

You’ll see a “Help improve Claude” toggle during sign-up. Switch it off to opt out.

Existing Users (Already Have an Account):

You must manually opt out before or after September 28, 2025:

Opting Out via Mobile App:

Open the Claude app.
Tap the three lines (menu) icon at the top left.
Select the Settings icon.
Go to Privacy settings.
Toggle OFF the “Help improve Claude” option.

Opting Out via Web/Desktop:

Log in to Claude’s web app.
Click on your user icon at the bottom left.
Select the Settings icon.
Open the Privacy section from the side panel.
Toggle OFF the “Help improve Claude” option.

If you’ve already inadvertently opted in: Just repeat the steps above to change your settings.

What Happens After Opting Out?

Your future chats (after opt-out) will not be used to train Anthropic’s models.
Any old data collected before opting out, or before Sept 28, may be retained under the policy window but will not be newly used for AI learning if you’re now opted out.
You can still access and use Claude under normal privacy rules.

Important Notes:

Opt-out is reversible—you can change your decision at any time.
If you are on Claude for Work, Claude Gov, or Education, you are not auto-opted-in and don’t need to take action unless adopting a consumer-tier plan.
API access via Amazon Bedrock/Google Vertex AI is excluded from this data policy.

Industry Context: Growing Pushback & Opt-Out Options

This move by Anthropic is part of a larger AI industry trend:

Several AI and tech companies are updating their privacy terms, often opting users in by default to allow model training on user content.
User backlash has led companies like WeTransfer to reverse or soften AI data policies after threats of lost trust and regulatory scrutiny.
GDPR and similar privacy regulations in Europe & other regions place strict limits—AI providers must now include clear opt-outs for non-commercial or sensitive content.
Transparency and user control are increasingly demanded by regulators and AI customers alike.

Benefits and Risks of Opting In or Out

Pros of Allowing AI Training on Your Conversations

Better AI personalization and smarter responses tailored to your and other users’ needs.
Faster AI improvement, fewer errors, more natural conversation flow.
Potentially improved safety and misuse detection in future versions.

Cons/Risks to Consider

Loss of privacy: Your conversation data (while anonymized) may be reviewed by humans during quality checks or moderation.
Longer data retention time (5 years instead of 30 days)
Potential for misuse or unintended leaks in broader datasets if not properly managed.
Regulatory or reputational risk if company policies change again in future.

Best Practices for Claude Users and the AI-Curious

Actively review AI privacy settings for all your generative AI chatbots and creative tools.
If in doubt: opt out, especially if your chats contain personal, sensitive, or business information.
Check if you are covered by an enterprise, education, or government exemption—these have different rules.
Periodically audit your settings, as companies may update policies again in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.
Watch for any privacy notifications or consent forms from AI providers.
Spread awareness: Share this guide so friends, family, and colleagues who use Claude can protect their privacy.

What This Means for Privacy and the Future of AI

AI training on user data is now the default, not the exception. For companies, it’s a necessity to keep their models competitive and up-to-date. For users, default opt-in means vigilance is required, not just with Anthropic Claude, but across all consumer AI tools.

Ultimately, it’s a tradeoff between convenience and privacy: The more data you share, the better AI might become—but without careful controls, your privacy could be at risk. Anthropic’s move, and the broader industry pattern, signal that AI users need to be proactive about their data rights.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Data

Anthropic’s policy update is the latest example of the evolving relationship between AI providers and users. If you value privacy, take two minutes now to check your Claude settings and opt out if you prefer your chats to remain private. As AI continues to reshape the digital experience, staying informed and in control of your personal data has never been more important.

FAQs

1. Will my old Claude chats be used for training if I opt out now?

No. Only new and resumed chats after you opt in (or after September 28, 2025, if you don’t opt out) will be used for training. Old chats prior to opting in are excluded from training data.

2. Can I change my mind and opt in or out later?

Yes! Claude users can toggle the “Help improve Claude” option on or off at any time, regardless of their initial choice. Your settings only apply to future chats.

3. Do enterprise, education, or API users need to worry about this data policy?

No. If you are on Claude for Work (Team/Enterprise), Claude Gov, Claude Education, or access Claude via API through Amazon Bedrock or Google Cloud Vertex AI, your data is not used for AI training under this automatic opt-in policy.

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