- Digital asset groups want frontier AI labs to provide trusted open-source defenders access to advanced models for security research.
- The coalition seeks secure testing environments, computing resources and direct communication channels for vulnerability reporting.
- Supporters say stronger AI access could help defenders protect wallets, cryptographic libraries, custody systems and payment networks.
Bitcoin Policy Institute and digital asset groups are asking frontier AI labs to give qualified open-source defenders trusted access to advanced models. The coalition says developers need stronger AI tools to review financial software, wallets, libraries and other infrastructure. It also wants secure environments, enough computing capacity and direct channels for coordinated vulnerability reporting.
Coalition Targets Gaps In AI Security Access
According to the Bitcoin Policy Institute, open-source developers often have limited access to advanced cyber models. Public frontier systems can also block legitimate security research through their safety controls.
As a result, some defenders rely on less capable open-weight models for security reviews. The coalition said this creates a gap between defenders and attackers using stronger AI capabilities.
The group said the issue affects infrastructure supporting Bitcoin and the wider digital asset sector. That infrastructure includes signing devices, cryptographic libraries, custody systems, exchanges and payment networks.
The institute said Bitcoin alone secures more than $1 trillion in value. It added that the broader digital asset ecosystem involves trillions of dollars across related infrastructure.
AI Tools Could Support Vulnerability Reviews
The coalition said advanced AI can search large codebases and identify potential weaknesses. It also said these systems can accelerate complex security work for defenders and attackers.
However, frontier labs and selected partners can access emerging cyber capabilities before wider users. The coalition said qualified open-source defenders often lack similar access.
The Bitcoin Policy Institute said maintainers have reported sophisticated attacks that strain small development teams. It said some reports involved potential foreign adversaries using advanced AI capabilities.
Meanwhile, developers continue using available open-weight models to review wallets, protocols and open-source tools. The institute said these efforts have already produced security findings and fixes.
The coalition wants earlier access to stronger models before attackers widely obtain similar capabilities. It also requested reasonable computing budgets for long-running security reviews.
Groups Seek Trusted Programs For Defenders
The proposed programs would offer controlled access to advanced cyber-capable models. The coalition also wants pre-release access where appropriate and secure environments for private code.
Additionally, it wants eligibility for nonprofit groups, independent maintainers, companies and governments. Direct communication with AI lab security teams would support disclosure and remediation.
The digital asset industry said it can help identify credible participants and establish participation standards. It also offered to coordinate remediation when security issues emerge.
