OpenAI Blocks Bitcoin Researchers, Forces Shift to Chinese AI Models

A team of Bitcoin security researchers led by Rob Hamilton, CEO of AnchorWatch, encountered an unexpected roadblock while conducting AI-powered audits on Bitcoin code. OpenAI's 'trust cyber program' unexpectedly blocked their access despite completing all verification steps.

The team had been using OpenAI tools to identify vulnerabilities in open-source Bitcoin repositories, aiming to improve security following a major hardware wallet flaw that led to thefts. However, due to the restrictions imposed by OpenAI and Anthropic, they were forced to shift to Chinese AI models like Moonshot AI's Kimi K3, which offered less restrictive access.

This incident highlights the challenges faced by US-based security researchers in using American AI tools, potentially driving them towards foreign alternatives. The team's decision to switch to Chinese AI models raises concerns about data sovereignty and the implications of relying on foreign technology for critical tasks.