The AUP categorically prohibits using Claude at any stage of CBRN weapons development, including synthesis, design, acquisition, testing, or deployment planning for biological, chemical, radiological, or nuclear weapons, their precursors, or delivery systems, as well as modification of biological or chemical agents to enhance harm potential.
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
This provision establishes an absolute prohibition covering the full lifecycle of CBRN weapons development activity and explicitly names weapons-critical technology categories such as fissile material production and enrichment, creating a categorical exclusion for defense and dual-use research operators in these domains.
The updated policy clarifies that Anthropic's acceptable use rules apply to all users of its products and services, including API developers, cloud customers, and app users. The policy now explicitly prohibits weapons development and related activities, and introduces a Cyber Verification Program allowing researchers to apply for adjusted safeguards for authorized dual-use work. Enforcement procedures now include warnings and throttling in addition to suspension or termination. You can apply for the Cyber Verification Program or Life Sciences Verification Program if your work involves authorized dual-use or high-risk use cases covered by real-time safeguards.
View change record →⚠ The terms will apply as written, and use of Claude for prohibited weapons development activities may result in immediate access suspension or termination and potential reporting to relevant authorities.
Cross-platform context
See how other platforms handle Prohibition on Weapons Development and similar clauses.
Compare across platforms →"Design, synthesize, produce, acquire, operate, test, deploy, or plan the deployment of biological, chemical, radiological, or nuclear weapons, explosive or improvised explosive devices, or their precursors or delivery mechanisms, including developing weapons-critical technology (such as fissile material production, enrichment, or device design) Modify, design, or test biological or chemical agents to adjust or optimize their lethality, transmissibility, virulence, environmental persistence, or resistance to detection or medical countermeasuresExcerpt from Anthropic's API Usage Policy
1) REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: This provision engages the Chemical Weapons Convention Implementation Act, the Biological Weapons Anti-Terrorism Act, the Atomic Energy Act, the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which …
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This provision establishes an absolute prohibition covering the full lifecycle of CBRN weapons development activity and explicitly names weapons-critical technology categories such as fissile material production and enrichment, creating a categorical exclusion for defense and dual-use research operators in these domains.
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