Responsible Disclosure Policy

The Responsible Disclosure Policy template is a flexible, jurisdiction-neutral framework designed for websites. It's primary purpose is to provide a clear, structured process for security researchers, customers, and third parties to report potential vulnerabilities responsibly. By establishing defined procedures, expectations, and boundaries, this template helps organizations improve the security of their systems while protecting users’ data and the company’s operational integrity.

This template enables the user to define what systems are in scope, such as production websites, APIs, and AI tools, as well as out-of-scope items, such as non-production environments, third-party platforms, social engineering, and denial-of-service attacks.

The importance of a Responsible Disclosure Policy lies in balancing openness to security research with protection against misuse or accidental harm. By clearly communicating expectations, the policy encourages good-faith reporting, reduces the likelihood of legal disputes, and supports safe-harbor protections for ethical researchers. It also helps organizations respond consistently and efficiently to vulnerabilities, maintaining customer trust and safeguarding sensitive information.

In a global and technology-driven context, having such a policy is essential for SaaS and AI service providers. It demonstrates a proactive commitment to security, enables collaboration with the security community, and provides a structured approach to identifying and mitigating risks before they can be exploited. Ultimately, this template serves as both a practical operational guide and a public signal of security responsibility for the organization.

How to Use this Template?

1. Review and Customize
Carefully read through the entire policy to ensure it aligns with your organization’s services, systems, and security practices. 

2. Define Scope and Rules
Clearly determine which systems, applications, and components are in scope for responsible security testing, and which are out of scope. Establish responsible testing guidelines, reporting expectations, and AI-specific security considerations if any. 

3. Publish and Maintain
Once customized, publish the policy on the website where security researchers and users can easily access it. Regularly review and update the policy to reflect changes in your services, security practices, or applicable laws. Ensure communication channels remain active for reporting and that responses are handled in a timely, professional manner.