OpenAI Sparks Developer Outrage Over Required ID Verification and No-Refund Policy on API Credits

OpenAI faces significant backlash from developers over its new policy requiring government ID verification for accessing its advanced API models, such as GPT-5. The controversy centers on OpenAI’s refusal to refund prepaid credits for users who choose not to share personal information, leaving many with trapped funds. While OpenAI justifies this move as a safety measure, critics label the no-refund policy as poor customer service, describing it as a bait-and-switch tactic. This shift reflects a broader industry trend toward mandatory user verification, raising concerns about privacy and the erosion of online anonymity. Developers express frustration over sharing sensitive information with big tech, echoing fears of the implications of such policies amidst growing regulation, like the EU’s AI Act. OpenAI’s contrasting strategy of courting enterprise clients while alienating individual developers could jeopardize its platform’s future, especially as it seeks to attract a robust community for its powerful AI tools.

Source link