OpenClaw has imposed a complete ban on cryptocurrency discussions across its Discord server after a token scam briefly rattled the fast growing AI project.
Quick Summary – TLDR:
- OpenClaw has banned all crypto mentions on its Discord, including technical references.
- The rule followed a fake Solana token called CLAWD that hit 16 million dollars before crashing.
- A developer was removed for referencing Bitcoin block height in a benchmark discussion.
- Founder Peter Steinberger says the policy protects the community from scams.
What Happened?
OpenClaw, the open source AI agent framework that recently crossed 200,000 GitHub stars, is now enforcing a strict zero crypto policy on its official Discord server. The rule applies to any mention of cryptocurrency, including neutral technical discussions, and violations can result in removal from the community.
The policy came under public scrutiny after a developer was blocked for referencing Bitcoin block height as a timing mechanism in a multi agent benchmark. Founder Peter Steinberger later confirmed that the ban covers all crypto mentions and said members agree to strict rules upon joining.
OpenClaw Bans Crypto Mentions After Fake Token Incident@openclaw creator Peter Steinberger has blocked any mention of crypto, including bitcoin, in the project’s Discord after scammers hijacked old accounts during a rebrand and launched a fake $CLAWD token that briefly hit a… pic.twitter.com/F7TpZJaVQi
— Crypto Miners (@CryptoMiners_Co) February 22, 2026
The Scam That Triggered the Ban
The crackdown traces back to a chaotic rebrand in late January. At the time, the project was known as Clawdbot. After receiving a trademark notice related to the name, Steinberger began transitioning to the new OpenClaw brand.
During the short window between releasing old GitHub and X handles and securing new ones, scammers moved quickly. They hijacked the abandoned accounts and used them to promote a fake Solana based token called CLAWD.
The token surged to approximately 16 million dollars in market capitalization within hours. Many traders assumed it was an official launch tied to the project. After Steinberger publicly denied any involvement, the token collapsed by more than 90 percent.
Steinberger stated he would never launch a coin and warned that any token claiming association with him was fraudulent. The incident sparked confusion, accusations, and reputational damage for a project that had no official ties to crypto.
Developer Ban Sparks Debate
The zero tolerance rule resurfaced in discussion this weekend when a developer shared on X that they had been removed from the Discord for mentioning Bitcoin block height in a technical context.
Steinberger defended the decision, saying the server enforces a no crypto mention whatsoever policy and that members accept strict rules when they join. He later offered to restore the user’s access if they emailed their username.
The rule applies broadly. Even references to blockchain as a timing tool fall under the ban. Supporters argue the hard line is necessary to prevent scammers from exploiting the community. Critics say it risks alienating legitimate contributors who view blockchain as a neutral technology.
Security Concerns Add Pressure
Security researchers have also flagged wider risks surrounding the project. Analysts at blockchain security firm SlowMist found hundreds of OpenClaw instances exposed to the public internet without authentication, often due to improper configuration.
Another researcher identified 386 malicious add on scripts in the project’s skill repository. Many of these targeted crypto traders by attempting to access private keys.
These findings reinforced concerns that speculative token activity could attract bad actors looking to exploit fast growing AI communities.
A Growing Divide Between AI and Crypto
OpenClaw’s stance stands in contrast to broader industry trends. Crypto companies are increasingly positioning digital assets as infrastructure for autonomous agents.
Coinbase recently introduced Agentic Wallets designed to let AI agents manage crypto transactions and payments. Circle Chief Executive Jeremy Allaire has predicted that billions of AI agents could rely on stablecoins for everyday payments in the coming years.
Despite this momentum, OpenClaw has moved to an independent open source foundation and continues to distance itself from crypto culture. Steinberger, who has since joined OpenAI to lead its personal agents division, has expressed frustration with what he sees as speculative token hype.
SQ Magazine Takeaway
I think this is a bold move. OpenClaw clearly felt burned by the CLAWD chaos, and I understand why the team wants to protect its community. When a fake token can hit 16 million dollars in hours using your name, that is not just noise. That is real reputational risk.
At the same time, banning even neutral technical references shows how deep the scars run. The AI and crypto worlds are colliding fast, and OpenClaw is choosing to build a wall instead of a bridge. Whether that protects the project long term or limits its future partnerships is something we will be watching closely.
