OpenClaw Creator Bans Bitcoin, Crypto Chatter After Joining OpenAI
Peter Steinberger, creator of the AI agent framework OpenClaw, strictly banned any mention of Bitcoin or cryptocurrency in the project’s Discord server due to repeated harassment, scams, and spam linked to the crypto community. Steinberger enforced this rule after facing threats and waves of unwanted attention from individuals seeking to associate OpenClaw with cryptocurrency projects or coins, which he denounced as scams. The ban prohibits even neutral references to crypto, with Steinberger emphasizing that the server is for project-related discussion—not finance. OpenClaw, initially known as Clawdbot, gained rapid attention as an open-source platform for building autonomous AI agents, which intensified attempts by crypto proponents to link themselves to the project. Steinberger recently joined OpenAI and announced OpenClaw would transition to a foundation model, emphasizing his desire to focus on impactful technology rather than financial speculation. The strict no-crypto rule has sparked debate among users, especially since OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman is involved with Worldcoin, but Steinberger maintains a clear separation between his project and the cryptocurrency space.
