OpenAI has announced a mandatory ID verification process for developers seeking access to its most advanced AI models through its API. The policy, recently updated on OpenAI’s support page, is part of the company’s broader effort to address growing concerns over misuse, intellectual property theft, and responsible AI deployment.
Under the new requirements, developers must provide a government-issued ID from one of the countries supported by OpenAI’s API to complete the verification process. This ID will be used to confirm the identity of individuals or organizations requesting access to high-end models like GPT-4. Access will be restricted to users who meet the verification criteria and obtain “Verified Organisation” status.
“Developers with Verified Organisation status will unlock access to the most advanced models and capabilities on the OpenAI Platform,” the Microsoft-backed company stated. However, the process is designed to be selective: not all applicants will be eligible, and OpenAI has clarified that a single government-issued ID can only be used to verify one organization every 90 days.
The move comes amid increasing scrutiny of AI tools being misused for generating disinformation, deepfakes, and for scraping or duplicating proprietary content. By tightening access through ID verification, OpenAI aims to ensure that its powerful technologies are used ethically and within legal frameworks.
While the policy enhances security, it has sparked mixed reactions within the developer community. Some have expressed concerns about privacy and the administrative burden on smaller developers and startups, while others have welcomed the measure as a necessary step toward responsible AI use.
This verification mandate marks a significant shift in how OpenAI manages access to its platform, reflecting the broader industry trend of implementing stricter controls over the deployment of artificial intelligence. As the technology evolves, OpenAI appears committed to balancing innovation with safety, transparency, and ethical accountability.
