TL;DR

  • Verify whether model-improvement training is opt-in or default for Anthropic API.
  • Confirm retention for deleted chats or logs and whether data can be used for training.
  • Ensure your access path is officially supported for this plan.

Scope

This page covers terms you should verify for Anthropic API. It is a snapshot checklist, not legal advice.

How to use this page

  1. Confirm you are using the Anthropic API (not Claude.ai or Claude Code).
  2. Work through the checklist and capture the current policy date.
  3. Re-check monthly or after any policy update.
  4. Return to the Claude terms hub for plan comparisons.

What changed recently

See /posts/anthropic-tos-changes-2025/ for the 2025-2026 timeline and enforcement shifts.

Terms snapshot checklist (as of Feb 2026)

Training use: API usage is opt-in for training—default is OFF. Must explicitly enable “model improvement” in API settings to allow training use. This is the inverse of consumer plans.

Retention:

  • Standard API: 30 days for request logs (unless training enabled)
  • If training enabled: Up to 5 years retention in de-identified form
  • Commercial terms available with custom retention and deletion schedules

Third-party access:

  • Fully supported: Any client using your own API key is legitimate
  • Use your own key: Tools like OpenCode self-hosted mode, Cursor, custom scripts—when configured with YOUR API key—are officially supported
  • NOT supported: Tools spoofing consumer OAuth tokens or pretending to be official clients
  • API is the safest path for third-party integrations

Data export/deletion: Full audit logs available; commercial terms include custom data handling agreements.

Enterprise/DPA:

  • Standard: Available via self-serve in API dashboard
  • Custom: Enterprise agreements include negotiated DPA and BAA (for HIPAA)
  • Commercial Terms: Section D.4 prohibits using API to build competing products or train competing models

Evidence / signals

  • Official Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
  • API documentation for supported access paths and usage.
  • Account settings that show model-improvement toggles.

How to verify

  • Read the current Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
  • Check account settings for model-improvement toggles.
  • Confirm official client lists and API documentation.

If you already shared data

  • Review current settings and disable training if needed.
  • Rotate keys or revoke access for unofficial tools.
  • Document what data was shared and when.

What would invalidate this

Any new policy effective date, API access change, or plan-level terms update should replace this checklist.

Terms deltas (auto)

Verified deltas vs baseline

No verified deltas yet.

Potential deltas to verify

  • Training use: Not confirmed; verify API data usage and training policy. (baseline: Consumer plans: model-improvement setting controls training (verify current policy).)
  • Retention (deleted data): Not confirmed; verify API data retention and deletion behavior. (baseline: Consumer plans: deleted chats removed within ~30 days when training is disabled (verify).)
  • Retention (training data): Not confirmed; verify API training retention window. (baseline: Consumer plans: training data may be retained up to 5 years if enabled (verify).)
  • Third-party access: Use documented API access only; verify allowed client patterns. (baseline: Official clients only; unofficial access may be blocked (verify).)
  • Official clients: API keys + official docs; verify allowed integrations. (baseline: Claude app/web, Claude Code, Anthropic API (verify current list).)

Terms snapshot

FieldValueStatusSource
Training useNot confirmed; verify API data usage and training policy.unknown
Retention (deleted data)Not confirmed; verify API data retention and deletion behavior.unknown
Retention (training data)Not confirmed; verify API training retention window.unknown
Third-party accessUse documented API access only; verify allowed client patterns.needs_verification/verify/anthropic-api-clients/
Official clientsAPI keys + official docs; verify allowed integrations.needs_verification/verify/anthropic-api-clients/
Enterprise DPAAsk sales/support if you require a DPA; availability unconfirmed.unknown

Sources