AI startup OpenClaw (formerly Clawdbot) has ignited controversy by banning crypto conversations outright. Users were shocked when mentioning Bitcoin triggered automatic bans on the project's Discord server.
Strict Enforcement: Auto-Bans and Manual Override
Founder Peter Steinberger clarified on social media that the server enforces a strict no-crypto policy. He offered to manually re-add any affected users if needed, but stressed that the project's core mission is building permissionless AI agents, not launching tokens.
Why the Pivot: Harassment and Scams
OpenClaw gained traction for enabling local AI agents on users' devices, but soon faced immense pressure from the crypto crowd. Users created tokens linked to the project and demanded recognition and fees. Worse, crypto scammers attempted to hack Steinberger's GitHub account and hijacked usernames during the rebrand from Clawdbot. Steinberger called it “the worst form of online harassment I’ve encountered.”
New Direction: Partnering with OpenAI
“I want to change the world, not build a big corporation,” Steinberger said. “Collaborating with OpenAI is the fastest way to bring this to everyone.” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman described him as a “genius with many amazing ideas about a future where smart agents interact to perform truly useful tasks.” OpenClaw now operates as an OpenAI-backed open project, focusing on secure, permissionless AI tools—far from financial speculation.
In an interview with Lex Fridman, Steinberger admitted, “I didn’t know they were not only good at harassment but also very skilled at using scripts and tools.” Despite the challenges, the project continues to grow with a clear, non-crypto mission.