GoKawiilAnthropic updates Claude policy to let AI end abusive conversations
Anthropic revised its usage policy on Thursday to allow its Claude models to terminate interactions in cases of "sustained and needless" cruelty from users. The behaviour joins existing banned conduct such as bullying, promoting self-harm and generating non-consensual intimate images, though Anthropic says it will only apply in extreme, repeated cases rather than ordinary frustration or creative testing.
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The move has reignited debate about whether AI models warrant consideration akin to welfare, with critics like Dr Barry Scannell arguing that treating software as capable of suffering risks misleading users about what these systems actually are. Others worry this framing could dilute concern about cruelty directed at actual humans or animals. Microsoft AI director Mustafa Suleyman's mocking reaction suggests the policy may deepen a wider industry disagreement over anthropomorphising AI.
- Anthropic will let Claude end chats in cases of sustained, deliberate user cruelty.
- The policy groups abusive behaviour with bans on bullying and self-harm promotion.
- Reactions are split between welfare concerns for AI and warnings against anthropomorphism.
Source: bbc.co.uk — Watch Our Pick Of Standout Clips Across The Bbc, 2026-10-09
Published there as: “Anthropic bans users from being 'cruel' to its AI systems”
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