OpenAI Introduces ID Verification to Curb AI Misuse, Faces Global Eligibility Concerns
April 13, 2025
Under this new policy, each government ID can only validate one organization every 90 days, raising concerns about the eligibility criteria and the potential exclusion of users from unsupported regions.
This verification initiative appears to be a response to recent security challenges, including incidents of malicious use linked to North Korea and attempts at intellectual property theft by foreign entities.
The decision to implement this verification process follows reports of misuse of OpenAI technologies, particularly involving a China-based AI lab, DeepSeek, which may have improperly accessed data.
OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, announced a strategic shift to prioritize the development of reasoning models, delaying the release of GPT-5, which reflects the company's focus on safety and responsible AI deployment.
The company has previously reported instances of misuse, including violations linked to developers in North Korea, highlighting the need for stringent access controls.
There are increasing concerns about malicious actors exploiting AI APIs for creating misinformation and infringing on copyright, emphasizing the urgency for robust security measures.
The verification process is designed to mitigate unsafe AI usage and prevent potential intellectual property theft, particularly in light of unauthorized access incidents.
Developers have expressed concerns regarding operational friction and privacy issues related to the submission of IDs, which could hinder innovation.
The verification process is currently available in over 200 countries, although specific country eligibility details remain undisclosed.
OpenAI is introducing an identity verification process for organizations seeking access to its advanced AI models via API, aiming to prevent misuse of the technology.
OpenAI supports IDs from a wide range of countries, allowing organizations to check their eligibility during the verification process.
While the verification process aims to enhance security, details on the timeline for implementation and features of the Verified Organization status have yet to be finalized.
Summary based on 15 sources
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Sources

TechCrunch • Apr 13, 2025
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Economic Times • Apr 14, 2025
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Tech Times • Apr 14, 2025
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Business Standard • Apr 14, 2025
OpenAI introduces ID verification process for access to upcoming AI models