In a significant move, OpenClaw’s Discord has implemented a ban on any discussions related to Bitcoin or cryptocurrency, a decision made by the project’s creator, Peter Steinberger. This policy comes in response to what Steinberger describes as harassment and scams that have arisen due to the growing popularity of OpenClaw, an open-source framework designed for developing AI agents.
Steinberger reiterated the ban after a user reported being blocked from the OpenClaw Discord server, emphasizing that strict server rules prohibit any mention of crypto. Observations have noted that even neutral references to Bitcoin have attracted moderation efforts from the Discord team.
In public statements, Steinberger has expressed frustration over the attention from cryptocurrency promoters, stating that he believes many of these interactions were driven by opportunists seeking to exploit OpenClaw’s rising profile. He has previously warned users on social media to stop contacting him regarding cryptocurrency, declaring any project that misrepresents him as linked to a coin to be a scam.
The project, originally named Clawdbot, has been gaining traction as a tool for creating AI agents capable of performing tasks autonomously. However, as interest surged, so too did the unwanted aggressive engagement from parts of the cryptocurrency community. Steinberger mentioned in a recent podcast interview that the volume of spamming on Discord had made it challenging for genuine project discussions to take place. This harassment ultimately led him to establish the firm prohibition on cryptocurrency discussions.
Despite some attempts by users to persuade Steinberger to reconsider the blanket ban, he remains resolute. With his recent affiliation with OpenAI and the announcement of plans to transition OpenClaw to a foundation structure, Steinberger has clarified his focus on impactful change rather than corporate expansion.
This policy has sparked a mixed reaction among users, particularly in light of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s connection to World, a digital identity network that issues a cryptocurrency token. While questions arise about the implications of Steinberger’s stance on cryptocurrency in relation to OpenAI and its leadership, he maintains that the discussion surrounding OpenClaw should focus entirely on the project itself, devoid of any financial topics.
As the debate continues, some community members argue that integrating cryptocurrency could be a valuable use case for AI agents, highlighting a potential conflict between evolving technological innovation and established practices in the digital currency space.
