TL;DR

  • Verify whether model-improvement training is opt-in or default for Claude Free.
  • 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 Claude Free. It is a snapshot checklist, not legal advice.

How to use this page

  1. Confirm you are on the Claude Free plan in Claude.ai.
  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: Model-improvement is pre-checked by default (opt-in design). Users must actively disable in account settings to prevent training use.

Retention:

  • If training enabled: Up to 5 years retention in de-identified form for model training
  • If training disabled: Deleted conversations removed within 30 days
  • Incognito mode: Excluded from training regardless of settings

Third-party access:

  • Only official Claude.ai web interface and mobile apps supported
  • Third-party clients that spoof official interfaces are blocked (per Jan 9, 2026 enforcement)
  • API access requires separate Anthropic API account (not included in Free plan)

Data export/deletion: Available in account settings; individual conversation deletion immediate, backend removal within 30 days.

Enterprise/DPA: Not available on Free tier. Requires Pro, Max, or API plan with commercial terms.

Pricing & Limits

  • Cost: $0/month
  • Rate limits: Lower priority than paid tiers during high-traffic periods
  • Model access: Claude 3.5 Sonnet (standard), Claude 3.5 Haiku (faster, lighter)
  • Claude Code: Not included (requires Pro or Max)

Evidence / signals

  • Official Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
  • Claude pricing or plan page defining Free tier boundaries.
  • 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, plan change, or terms update should replace this checklist.

Terms deltas (auto)

Verified deltas vs baseline

No verified deltas yet.

Potential deltas to verify

No pending deltas detected.

Terms snapshot

FieldValueStatusSource
Training useConsumer plans: model-improvement setting controls training (verify current policy).needs_verification/posts/anthropic-tos-changes-2025/
Retention (deleted data)Consumer plans: deleted chats removed within ~30 days when training is disabled (verify).needs_verification/posts/anthropic-tos-changes-2025/
Retention (training data)Consumer plans: training data may be retained up to 5 years if enabled (verify).needs_verification/posts/anthropic-tos-changes-2025/
Third-party accessOfficial clients only; unofficial access may be blocked (verify).needs_verification/posts/anthropic-tos-changes-2025/
Official clientsClaude app/web, Claude Code, Anthropic API (verify current list).needs_verification/posts/anthropic-tos-changes-2025/
Enterprise DPAAsk sales/support if you require a DPA; availability unconfirmed.unknown

Sources