OpenAI is preparing to implement a new identity verification process for organizations seeking access to its most advanced API capabilities, signaling a shift toward stricter control over the use of powerful AI models. Under the new “Verified Organization” system, access to future high-tier models will require the submission of a government-issued ID from an eligible country.
This measure comes as part of OpenAI’s broader effort to prevent misuse and tighten compliance with responsible AI deployment standards. The company stated that the change is meant to ensure that entities accessing its most capable models can be held accountable and meet policy requirements. Developers using the API will be required to verify their organizational identity through a brief process—reportedly taking just a few minutes—and only one organization can be verified per ID every 90 days.
The move is in response to a small but persistent group of users who have violated usage policies, particularly those scraping data or using OpenAI’s models for tasks involving misinformation, IP theft, or unauthorized surveillance. By introducing the ID check, OpenAI is attempting to strike a balance between accessibility and accountability, especially as its technology becomes more deeply embedded in enterprise and developer ecosystems.
Notably, access to current models will remain unchanged for now, but OpenAI made it clear that certain future models and features will only be available to verified organizations. This adds a layer of exclusivity to its most capable offerings and signals the company’s intent to treat these systems with the gravity typically reserved for sensitive infrastructure.
The decision reflects a growing trend in the AI industry toward regulated access, especially as the capabilities of frontier models accelerate. As global scrutiny intensifies around safety, ethics, and data governance, OpenAI’s verification initiative could set a precedent for how access to powerful AI tools is managed going forward. For developers and organizations aiming to stay ahead, engaging with this new process will soon be essential.
