Anthropic's updated usage policy names seeding search and AI answer sources with misleading content, and drops automated publishing from its high-risk list.

Anthropic’s updated usage policy, which takes effect Nov. 12, prohibits using Claude to seed the sources that search engines and AI systems draw answers from with content that misrepresents its origin, authorship, or independence. The policy’s example is a network of sites that pose as unrelated sources and back the same claims.

Anthropic released it Oct. 8 with a post listing the changes, which also cover elections, weapons, surveillance, and sustained abuse of Claude models. The post describes a new section on deceptive activity but doesn’t mention search engines.

These rules are for everyone using Anthropic’s products, whether you’re a developer working with the API or someone using apps built on Claude. If the company suspects any violations, it might suspend or terminate access.

The policy’s search clause is now found in a new section called “Do Not Engage in Deceptive Campaigns or Artificial Activity.” This section outlines that the following use is not allowed:

“Manipulate the sources from which search engines or AI systems draw answers by seeding them with content that misrepresents its origin, authorship, or independence (e.g., networks of sites posing as unaffiliated sources corroborating the same claims)”

Other lines bar the use of fake personas, outlets, and reviews, and spreading content through “fake or ostensibly independent outlets, websites, or accounts” to hide their shared source. The section also prohibits creating tools meant for deceptive campaigns and selling any of these activities as a service.

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