According to this 2026 Usage Policy Update post, the goal is to address “extreme cases where users repeatedly act cruelly toward our models, for no discernible purpose.” The rule does not apply to “common versions of user frustration, rejection, obscure creative themes, or model testing and research.” (It is not clear where the line lies between “frustration” and “cruel behavior.”)
The full relevant text:
Address abusive behavior towards our models
We have added a ban on sustained and unnecessary cruel or abusive behavior towards our models. The policy update is intended to apply only in extreme cases, where users repeatedly act cruelly towards our models, without any discernible purpose. It does not apply to the common versions of user frustration, rejection, obscure creative themes, or model testing and research.
This addition aligns with a step we’ve already taken, allowing Claude models to end rare conversations with persistently abusive users on Claude.ai and Claude Code. Such abuse is the main focus of this update; Claude’s ability to end these interactions will remain the primary law enforcement mechanism.
What if Claude is offended by your behavior? The main consequence is the end of the chat. Anthropic has already given its models the ability to end chats with users who persist in abusive behavior on Claude.ai and Claude Code; This change is enshrined as an explicit prohibition in the company’s terms of use.
The update also includes clarifications on: political content and election interference, surveillance and law enforcement, weapons technology, and high-risk use cases related to health, legal rights, and finance.
