OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has launched a new Bug Bounty Program that offers qualified researchers the chance to earn up to $50,000 for finding important security weaknesses in its AI models.
The company has also confirmed that Pakistan is among the eligible countries, allowing researchers from the country to apply for the program.
However, this is not a public bug bounty where anyone can start testing immediately. Interested applicants must first submit an application, and only selected researchers will be invited to participate.
What Is OpenAI’s New Bug Bounty Program?
The OpenAI Bug Bounty Program is a private initiative that focuses on improving the safety of OpenAI’s latest AI models.
Instead of looking for traditional software bugs, researchers are asked to test the models’ biological safety protections. The goal is to find serious weaknesses that could help OpenAI improve its safeguards before the models are misused.
The program replaces the earlier GPT-5.5 Bug Bounty and will continue as an ongoing initiative for OpenAI’s future frontier models.
OpenAI Has Increased the Reward to $50,000
Along with launching the new program, OpenAI has doubled the maximum reward from $25,000 to $50,000.
Researchers who successfully discover a qualifying universal jailbreak can receive the full reward. OpenAI may also offer smaller payouts for findings that provide useful insights but do not fully meet the highest reward requirements.
How to Apply for OpenAI’s $50,000 Bug Bounty Program
Applying for the program is simple and only takes a few minutes.
Step 1: Have a ChatGPT Account
Before applying, make sure you already have a ChatGPT account. It is required to join the program.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
Applicants need to provide basic information such as:
- Full name
- Country
- Affiliation or employer
- Relevant experience
The application is short and is reviewed by OpenAI.
Step 3: Wait for OpenAI’s Response
OpenAI reviews applications on a rolling basis.
If your application is successful, the company will contact you with further instructions.
Step 4: Sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
Researchers who are selected must sign an NDA before they receive access to the testing platform.
Step 5: Start Testing
Once accepted, participants can begin testing eligible OpenAI models according to the program’s rules.
Who Should Apply?
The program is mainly intended for people with experience in:
- AI safety
- Cybersecurity
- AI red teaming
- Machine learning
- Security research
- Biosecurity
- Natural language processing (NLP)
Researchers, engineers, university students, and academics with relevant technical knowledge are encouraged to apply.
GPT-5.5 Is No Longer the Main Focus
OpenAI said testing under the original GPT-5.5 Bug Bounty Program will end on July 27, 2026.
The ongoing Bug Bounty Program now focuses on GPT-5.6, and future OpenAI models will be added over time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Pakistanis apply for OpenAI’s Bug Bounty Program?
Yes. Pakistan is included in the list of eligible countries on the official application page. However, OpenAI selects participants through a review process.
How much can I earn?
The maximum reward is $50,000 for discovering a qualifying universal jailbreak. Smaller rewards may also be available for partial findings.
Is the program open to everyone?
No. It is a private, invitation-only program. Anyone can apply, but only selected researchers are invited to participate.
Do I need a ChatGPT account to apply?
Yes. You must have an active ChatGPT account before submitting your application.
Can students apply?
Yes. Students with relevant technical skills or research experience can apply, although acceptance depends on OpenAI’s review.
What is a universal jailbreak?
It is a single method that consistently bypasses the model’s biological safety protections across OpenAI’s predefined testing benchmarks.
Is there an application deadline?
OpenAI is accepting applications on a rolling basis. No closing date has been announced.
Do previous applicants need to apply again?
No. Researchers who previously applied to the GPT-5.5 Bug Bounty Program do not need to submit another application.
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