Beijing: China has warned users and companies about potential security risks linked to OpenClaw, a fast growing open source artificial intelligence agent that has gained wide popularity among developers and tech firms.
The warning was issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, which said that OpenClaw could expose systems to cyber risks if it is not properly set up. The ministry noted that weak access controls, poor identity management and lack of monitoring could allow hackers to misuse the tool, leading to data leaks or system breaches.
OpenClaw is designed to act as an autonomous digital assistant that can perform tasks such as writing code, managing files and interacting with other software. Its open source nature has helped it spread quickly, with many developers and companies adopting it to improve productivity.
Chinese authorities stressed that the notice is not a ban on the technology. Instead, it is a reminder that users must take responsibility for securing AI tools that have deep access to computer systems and sensitive data.
The alert followed recent reports of security lapses linked to platforms connected to OpenClaw, including cases where user data was exposed due to misconfigured systems. Cybersecurity experts have also warned that malicious third party tools and plugins could exploit the AI agent if users install them without proper checks.
Major Chinese technology companies have shown interest in integrating OpenClaw into cloud services and enterprise tools, reflecting strong demand for advanced AI agents. However, regulators say this rapid adoption must be matched with stronger safeguards to prevent misuse.
The warning highlights a broader challenge facing governments worldwide as more powerful and autonomous AI tools enter everyday use. While such systems promise efficiency gains, authorities say careful oversight and responsible deployment are essential to reduce security risks.