Verified ID May Be Required For Future OpenAI Models
OpenAI may soon tighten access to its most advanced models by requiring developers to verify their identities. According to a support page published last week, the new process called Verified Organization, aims to enhance both safety and accountability across its API platform.
To become verified, organizations must submit a government-issued ID from a country supported by OpenAI’s API. However, not every applicant will be eligible. In addition, a single ID can only be used to verify one organization every 90 days, limiting how frequently credentials can be reused. OpenAI explains that this step is designed to offer broader access while ensuring that use of its technology aligns with its safety guidelines.
“As part of our commitment to responsible AI, we’re introducing verification to reduce policy violations and promote secure use of advanced tools,” states the company’s website. While the majority of developers use OpenAI responsibly, the policy is meant to address misuse by a small subset of users.
A Step Toward Enhanced Security and Responsible Use
The move appears to reflect a broader strategy to safeguard OpenAI’s models as they grow more powerful. In recent months, the company has released several reports detailing efforts to detect and prevent malicious use of its technology. Some of these cases have reportedly involved actors linked to North Korea.
Furthermore, by enforcing ID verification, OpenAI may also be working to prevent intellectual property theft. For instance, earlier this year, Bloomberg reported that a group potentially connected to the Chinese AI firm DeepSeek had been investigated for allegedly extracting large volumes of data via OpenAI’s API in late 2024 — activity that would breach OpenAI’s terms of service.
Restrictions Reflect Ongoing Geopolitical and Ethical Concerns
This policy update also follows OpenAI’s decision to block access to its services in China during the summer of 2024. That action likely stemmed from growing concerns about international misuse of generative AI. As OpenAI continues expanding its capabilities, such guardrails could become more common, especially as global interest in AI development intensifies.
By implementing ID verification, OpenAI not only curbs risks but also reinforces its focus on ethical deployment. While the policy may limit access for some, it marks a step toward fostering a safer and more transparent ecosystem for developers worldwide.
