Bitcoin Developers Push for Access to Frontier AI Models Amid 'Vulnerability Apocalypse'

The Bitcoin Policy Institute and over 40 crypto organizations have signed an open letter to AI labs, requesting early access to frontier models for Bitcoin developers. The coalition argues that current public guardrails on advanced AI systems block legitimate security research by developers trying to patch vulnerabilities before hackers can exploit them.

According to the letter, a single vulnerability in open-source software can put life savings at risk, and the industry is willing to pay for defense. However, money alone hasn't closed the gap, and researchers are working with limited access to advanced AI tools.

Immunefi's CEO describes the current state as a 'vulnerability apocalypse' across the industry, fueled by newer AI models such as Claude Opus 4.8 and ChatGPT 5.5. The letter proposes controlled programs for trusted-access, with vetted researchers getting access before attackers can exploit newly discovered vulnerabilities.

The coalition includes prominent companies like Block, Coinbase, Strategy, MARA, Galaxy, BitGo, Brink, and Trezor, spanning publicly traded companies, mining firms, custodians, and nonprofit developer groups. The letter's authors warn that without dedicated access programs, defenders may lack the tools needed to keep pace with evolving threats.