News Summary

Anthropic has announced significant changes to its data handling policies, requiring users to decide by September 28 whether they want their conversations used to train AI models. This shift applies to Claude Free, Pro, and Max users, including those using Claude Code, extending data retention to five years for those who do not opt out. Business customers using Claude Gov, Claude for Work, Claude for Education, or API access will remain unaffected. The company frames the changes as a way to enhance model safety and improve skills like coding and reasoning. However, it primarily aims to bolster its competitive stance against rivals by harnessing vast amounts of conversational data. This move aligns with broader industry trends as companies face scrutiny over data retention practices. Privacy experts caution that the complexity of AI makes meaningful user consent challenging, and the Federal Trade Commission has warned against misleading changes to terms of service.