Anthropic will report any detected child sexual abuse material — including AI-generated images or text — to law enforcement, and defines anyone under 18 as a minor regardless of local age-of-consent laws.
This analysis describes what Anthropic's agreement states, permits, or reserves. It does not constitute a legal determination about enforceability. Regulatory applicability and practical outcomes may vary by jurisdiction, enforcement context, and individual circumstances. Read our methodology
The clause operationalizes mandatory reporting obligations by requiring Anthropic to notify law enforcement upon detection of CSAM-related activity. This establishes Anthropic's institutional responsibility to escalate identified violations to external regulatory and law enforcement bodies rather than handling such matters solely through terms enforcement.
Defense contractors and federal agencies using Claude must find alternatives. Enterprise customers with defense-adjacent business face compliance risk.
View change record →Any attempt to generate CSAM or sexually exploit minors through Claude will be reported to authorities, and the universal age-18 definition means no jurisdictional loophole applies.
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"Create, distribute, or promote child sexual abuse material ("CSAM"), including AI-generated CSAM... Note: We define a minor or child to be any individual under the age of 18 years old, regardless of jurisdiction. When we detect CSAM (including AI-generated CSAM), or coercion or enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activities, we will report to relevant authorities.— Excerpt from Anthropic's Anthropic API Usage Policy
(1) REGULATORY FRAMEWORK: This provision directly implicates 18 U.S.C. § 2258A (mandatory CyberTipline reporting to NCMEC for electronic service providers), the PROTECT Act of 2003, and the EARN IT Act framework. Internationally, it engages the UK Online Safety Act 2023 (illegal content duties) and EU CSA Regulation proposals. Primary enforcement authorities are the DOJ/FBI, NCMEC, and equivalent national bodies. (2)
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The clause operationalizes mandatory reporting obligations by requiring Anthropic to notify law enforcement upon detection of CSAM-related activity. This establishes Anthropic's institutional responsibility to escalate identified violations to external regulatory and law enforcement bodies rather than handling such matters solely through terms enforcement.
Any attempt to generate CSAM or sexually exploit minors through Claude will be reported to authorities, and the universal age-18 definition means no jurisdictional loophole applies.
No. ConductAtlas is an independent monitoring service. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Anthropic.