At ODM, we focus on sharing detailed insights into the latest advancements and security programs in the tech industry. Recently, Google made an announcement that caught the attention of developers and ethical hackers around the world. The company revealed that Google will pay you over Rs 26 lakh for finding bugs in its AI products, under its expanded AI Vulnerability Reward Program (AI VRP). This initiative aims to strengthen the security framework of Google’s artificial intelligence systems and reward security researchers for uncovering legitimate vulnerabilities.
What is the AI Bug Bounty Program?
The concept behind this program is simple yet impactful. Google’s AI VRP offers financial rewards to individuals who identify and responsibly report security issues within its AI-powered applications. The top reward for valid submissions is $30,000, approximately equivalent to ₹26 lakh in Indian currency.
The announcement highlights Google’s commitment to securing the AI ecosystem across products such as Gemini, Google Search AI integrations, and Workspace AI features. The company has already paid out substantial rewards through its traditional Vulnerability Reward Program, and now, it extends that same structure to cover AI-specific risks.
Why is Google offering such a large amount?
Google’s AI systems are now deeply integrated into daily user activities — from Gmail suggestions to AI assistants in Google Docs. This integration means that vulnerabilities can lead to data leaks, privacy violations, or unauthorized actions. To mitigate such risks, Google wants the cybersecurity community to participate in finding and reporting flaws before attackers exploit them.
In short, Google will pay you over Rs 26 lakh for finding bugs in its AI products to encourage proactive defense through community engagement. Ethical hackers who identify critical vulnerabilities not only receive monetary compensation but also contribute to improving the overall safety of AI applications.
What types of bugs qualify for rewards?
Google’s AI VRP covers a wide range of vulnerabilities. However, not every issue will qualify for rewards. According to Google’s guidelines, eligible bugs include the following categories:
- Rogue Actions: Cases where AI models perform unintended operations, such as sending unauthorized messages or changing system settings.
- Sensitive Data Exposure: AI systems revealing confidential data or internal system information.
- Model Manipulation: Forcing the model to generate restricted outputs that reveal proprietary information.
- Access Control Bypass: Allowing users to perform restricted actions using AI interfaces.
- Denial of Service: Crashing or disabling AI tools through crafted inputs.
Issues like biased content, hallucinations, or offensive text are not part of the program and should be reported separately through Google’s content feedback channels.
Reward Tiers and Structure
Under the AI VRP, Google has introduced different tiers of payouts depending on the severity and impact of the reported vulnerability:
- Flagship AI Products: Up to $30,000 (≈ ₹26 lakh) for high-severity bugs.
- Standard AI Systems: Up to $15,000 (≈ ₹13 lakh) for valid moderate vulnerabilities.
- Low-severity Issues: Smaller payouts for non-critical but legitimate findings.
The exact amount depends on novelty, quality of documentation, and reproducibility of the report. Submissions that provide clear evidence, step-by-step reproduction methods, and an assessment of potential damage tend to earn higher rewards.
How to participate in the program
Researchers interested in participating can follow these steps to be eligible for the payout when Google will pay you over Rs 26 lakh for finding bugs in its AI products:
- Register on Google Bug Hunters: Visit bughunters.google.com and sign in with a Google account.
- Read Program Guidelines: Understand what types of vulnerabilities are in scope and the ethical rules of testing.
- Select a Target Product: Focus on AI-integrated applications like Gemini, Workspace AI, or Search Generative Experience.
- Perform Safe Testing: Use approved tools, environments, and responsible testing techniques.
- Document the Bug: Include screenshots, logs, and detailed steps to replicate the issue.
- Submit the Report: Provide your findings through the Bug Hunters submission form.
- Wait for Review: Google’s internal security team will verify your report and determine reward eligibility.
Once verified, successful reports are rewarded based on the severity and originality of the bug.
Common Examples of Eligible Vulnerabilities
- A prompt that forces the AI system to access private user data.
- Commands that make the AI perform actions outside its intended use, such as editing or deleting files.
- Inputs that crash AI services repeatedly, resulting in denial of service.
- Weak security tokens or session leaks caused by AI integrations.
- Manipulating AI responses to gain higher privileges within Google applications.
Each of these findings can qualify for significant payouts if properly documented and verified.
How Google ensures responsible disclosure
Google maintains strict policies to ensure the safety of its users and systems during testing. Participants must follow responsible disclosure principles by:
- Avoiding tests that could harm real users.
- Keeping discovered vulnerabilities confidential until Google resolves them.
- Not exploiting vulnerabilities for unauthorized access or personal gain.
Reports violating these rules will be disqualified regardless of their accuracy or impact.
Benefits for Security Researchers
Participating in this initiative is not just about earning money. Security professionals gain several advantages:
- Recognition in Google’s official Hall of Fame.
- Experience in testing AI-driven systems.
- Networking opportunities with Google’s security engineering teams.
- Building credibility in the global cybersecurity community.
By offering high rewards, Google encourages long-term collaboration between independent researchers and corporate developers to build safer AI products.
What this means for AI security
When Google will pay you over Rs 26 lakh for finding bugs in its AI products, it highlights a significant shift in the tech world. Traditional bug bounty programs focused on software and network vulnerabilities. Now, attention has expanded to AI models, algorithms, and prompt interactions. As AI becomes a part of critical infrastructure, securing these models is just as essential as securing code or databases.
This step by Google sets a benchmark for other companies using AI. It demonstrates that ensuring AI safety is not only a technical challenge but also a collaborative effort that includes the research community.
Conclusion
The announcement that Google will pay you over Rs 26 lakh for finding bugs in its AI products has opened new opportunities for ethical hackers, AI engineers, and cybersecurity experts. The AI Vulnerability Reward Program emphasizes proactive testing, transparency, and responsible disclosure. It also shows that as AI continues to evolve, so must the strategies to keep it secure.
At ODM, we encourage developers and security researchers to explore such opportunities responsibly. Our team can help you understand ethical hacking frameworks, AI security principles, and how to prepare submissions that meet professional standards.
This initiative marks the start of a new era where innovation and security progress together, ensuring that AI remains reliable, transparent, and safe for everyone.
