Anthropic wants your chats to train Claude: Here’s how to say no

Anthropic now wants to use your Claude chats for AI training. Here’s what’s changing, who’s affected, and how you can opt out.

Anthropic is changing how it uses data from Claude users, asking them to decide by September 28 whether their conversations can be included in future AI training. The move introduces new rules on data retention and consent, giving individuals the option to opt out if they do not want their chats analysed.

Anthropic now uses Claude chats for AI training; users must opt out by the September 28 deadline. (Bloomberg)

By MD Ijaj Khan

Ijaj Khan is a technology journalist and Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, with over three years of experience covering the consumer technology industry. His work spans smartphones, laptops, wearables, gaming, appliances and AI - from hands-on reviews, comparison and buying guides to breaking news and in-depth features that help readers cut through the noise and make informed decisions. Before joining HT Tech, he worked with Jagran New Media, where he sharpened his instincts for fast-paced digital reporting. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in English Journalism and Mass Communication from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Delhi. Whether he's testing the latest flagship smartphone, tracking a major AI announcement, or putting a gaming laptop through its paces, Ijaj approaches every story with the same goal - making technology feel relevant and easy to understand for everyday users, not just enthusiasts. When he's not in front of a screen for work, he's usually travelling to a new city, hunting for great food, or keeping tabs on what's next in tech before everyone else catches on.

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What’s Changing

Until now, Anthropic has not used consumer chat data to train its models. With the update, the company plans to include conversations and coding sessions from users who don’t opt out. Data from these accounts could be stored for up to five years. This is a sharp shift from the earlier policy, where prompts and outputs were automatically deleted after 30 days unless flagged for violations or required for legal reasons.

The update applies to Claude Free, Pro, and Max users, as well as Claude Code. However, enterprise customers using Claude Gov, Claude for Work, Claude for Education, or API access will not be affected, following a similar approach taken by OpenAI to shield business clients.

Why the Shift Matters

Anthropic says the change supports model improvements, claiming that shared user data will help build safer, more accurate systems while strengthening skills in coding, analysis, and reasoning. The company frames this as a way for users to contribute to stronger models in the future.

However, industry analysts note that the update also reflects competition across AI companies. Training advanced systems requires access to large volumes of real-world interactions, and Claude’s user data could give Anthropic an edge against rivals like OpenAI and Google.

Concerns Around Consent

The policy has raised questions about transparency. New users will see a choice at sign-up, but existing users face a pop-up with an “Accept” button displayed prominently, while the opt-out toggle appears smaller and set to “On” by default. Critics warn that this design may push many to agree without realising it.

Privacy experts argue that true consent is difficult to achieve when policies are buried in complex language or hidden in fine print. Regulators, including the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, have already warned AI companies against quietly changing data policies without clear disclosure.