OpenAI plans to introduce an identity verification process for organizations seeking access to its most advanced future AI models, marking a significant shift in its developer policy aimed at enhancing safety and limiting misuse. The new requirement, called Verified Organization, will apply to access via the company’s API platform.
Verified ID Now Mandatory for Advanced Model Access
According to OpenAI, the verification process will require developers to provide a government-issued ID from a supported country. Each verified ID can only be used for one organization every 90 days, and not all applicants will qualify. This move is designed to ensure that OpenAI’s powerful models remain secure, traceable, and compliant with usage standards.
A company spokesperson stated that a “small minority of developers” have been misusing the platform, prompting OpenAI to take proactive steps to mitigate unsafe or malicious behavior.
Security and IP Protection at the Core
OpenAI has recently tightened its security posture, especially following reports of potential API abuse involving suspected data exfiltration by external groups. One investigation suggested that an AI lab in China may have used OpenAI’s API to train its own models, a potential violation of terms of service. As part of a broader response, OpenAI blocked access to its tools in China in 2024.
The organization also cited national security concerns and intellectual property protection as core reasons behind the new access rules, particularly as its models gain wider adoption across industries and governments.
Preparing for the “Next Exciting Model Release”
The Verified Organization initiative is seen as a precursor to the rollout of new model capabilities expected later this year. Developers who complete the verification will gain access to more advanced functionalities, likely including features from successor models to GPT-4 and GPT-4 Turbo.
While the verification process reportedly takes only a few minutes, its implementation marks a clear pivot toward accountability and compliance, as the AI ecosystem matures and regulatory scrutiny increases globally.
