Openclaw’s Crypto Ban: A Tech Drama Unfolds

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Openclaw, a project whose name suggests a creature with claws but less dignity, has decreed that its Discord server shall be a sanctuary free from the sordid whispers of cryptocurrency-Bitcoin included-after a tempest of token scams and harassment nearly capsized the AI venture’s fragile hull.

Openclaw Discord Enforces Zero-Tolerance Crypto Rule

Openclaw, an open-source AI agent framework helmed by the illustrious Peter Steinberger, has drawn a line in the digital sand, forbidding the utterance of cryptocurrency-including, in a masterstroke of pedantry, even neutral mentions of bitcoin-in its Discord realm.

This edict came into prominence after a user, attempting to discuss a technical matter involving CLASHD27, a benchmark that employs Bitcoin’s block height as a clock mechanism, found themselves summarily expelled. The user, with the grace of a man explaining why he’s been banned from a tea party, clarified that no tokens were involved. Alas, Openclaw’s moderators, armed with the zeal of Victorian moralists, remained unmoved.

“We have strict server rules that you accepted when you entered the server. No crypto mention whatsoever is one of them,” Steinberger intoned, his tone as crisp as a freshly laundered cravat.

The impetus for this draconian policy lies in a recent episode wherein a faux CLAWD token, launched during Openclaw’s rebranding phase, briefly inflated to a $16 million market cap before deflating into the void. Steinberger, who had no hand in the affair, found himself besieged by spam and personal attacks from crypto enthusiasts who, it seems, confuse passion for competence.

“To all crypto folks: please stop pinging me, stop harassing me. I will never do a coin. Any project that lists me as coin owner is a SCAM,” Steinberger implored, his exasperation palpable even through the veil of the internet.

This stance has sparked a tempest in a teacup, with Sam Kazemian of Frax Finance querying whether Steinberger’s disdain is for crypto as a technology or merely the cacophony of scams. “It would be great to formally hear the Openclaw founder’s actual beliefs about crypto/stablecoins as a technology separate from the frustration he had to endure,” Kazemian mused, though Steinberger’s reply was as clear as a foggy London morning.

“The tech is interesting and has merit,” Steinberger conceded, “but the culture around it is so toxic and damaging to the project and has been personally attacking me that I had to take strong measures to keep Discord a friendly place.” A noble sentiment, though one might question whether a community that bans even the mention of Bitcoin can truly claim friendliness.

Reactions have been as varied as a Punch and Judy show. Critics decry the policy as censorship, stifling academic discourse. Supporters, meanwhile, cheer it as a valiant effort to shield the AI project from the speculative noise of crypto. It’s a curious dichotomy, like debating whether to ban lemons from a lemonade stand because someone once made a limeade joke.

Openclaw’s meteoric rise-200,000 GitHub stars and counting-adds context to the kerfuffle. The framework, which allows AI agents to execute tasks on user hardware and integrate with platforms like Telegram, has since transitioned to an open-source foundation. Steinberger, ever the opportunist, has now joined the hallowed halls of OpenAI to lead the charge on personal agents, leaving behind the crypto chaos for the greener pastures of AI.

The Discord rule remains unyielding: no crypto mention whatsoever. Steinberger has hinted at reinstating users on a case-by-case basis, but the message is clear-Openclaw’s channels are for AI, not token talk. A bold move, if one overlooks the irony of moderating a community with the subtlety of a brick through a stained-glass window.

FAQ 🦞

  • Why does Openclaw ban cryptocurrency mentions in Discord?
    Answer: To prevent spam, scams, and harassment following a fake $CLAWD token incident. A decision as logical as banning knives from a sword fight.
  • Was a user banned for mentioning bitcoin?
    Answer: Yes, for referencing Bitcoin’s block height as a timing benchmark. A fate akin to being expelled from a poetry club for reciting Shakespeare.
  • Does Peter Steinberger oppose crypto technology?
    Answer: He admits the tech has merit but decries its culture as toxic. A stance as nuanced as declaring one loves the smell of coffee but loathes baristas.
  • Has the policy affected Openclaw’s growth?
    Answer: Despite controversy, the project has surpassed 200,000 GitHub stars. Proof that even a storm can’t drown a rising tide.

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2026-02-23 02:37