OpenClaw Bans the Use of “Crypto” and Similar Terms, Due to Numerous Cases of Name Misappropriation
2026-02-23
OpenClaw bans the use of crypto and similar terms following a high-profile token controversy that briefly linked the project to a fraudulent cryptocurrency.
The move comes after scammers hijacked social media accounts during a rebranding phase and launched a fake token that rapidly gained and lost millions in market value.
The decision has sparked debate across developer communities, especially after reports that users were removed from the project’s Discord server for mentioning Bitcoin in purely technical contexts.
The OpenClaw ban crypto terms policy is now officially enforced, reflecting the project’s firm stance against any association with digital assets. At the center of the situation is OpenClaw, an autonomous agent framework that has grown rapidly in popularity since its launch.
Key Takeaways
OpenClaw bans crypto mentions across official community channels
The policy follows a fake token incident during rebranding
The founder publicly distances the project from cryptocurrency
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The Token Controversy That Triggered the Ban

The controversy began during a rebranding transition. Originally known as “Clawdbot,” the project received a trademark warning due to similarities with Anthropic’s AI model, Claude. The project briefly adopted another name before settling on OpenClaw.
During the shift from old GitHub and X accounts to new ones, scammers seized abandoned handles and launched a fake Solana-based token named CLAWD. The token’s market capitalization surged to approximately $16 million before collapsing more than 90% after founder Peter Steinberger denied any involvement.
Following the incident, OpenClaw bans the use of crypto and similar terms to prevent further confusion, speculation, or brand exploitation. The strict moderation approach aims to protect both the project and its community from additional misuse.
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Discord Enforcement and Community Reaction
The openclaw ban crypto terms rule is actively enforced on the official Discord server. According to public discussions, even neutral references to Bitcoin block heights for benchmarking purposes have led to temporary removals.
Steinberger confirmed that members agree to strict server rules upon joining, including a “no crypto mention whatsoever” policy. While at least one removed user was later reinstated, the broader stance remains unchanged.
This enforcement underscores how seriously the project treats reputational risk following the token scandal.
OpenClaw Ban Crypto Key Words Policy Explained
The OpenClaw ban crypto key words policy is not limited to promotional content. It reportedly includes:
Mentions of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies
Token discussions, even in technical comparisons
References to blockchain pricing or trading
Speculation about future tokens
The founder has publicly stated he will never issue a cryptocurrency. Any token claiming association with him or OpenClaw is considered fraudulent.
At the same time, Steinberger now leads the personal agent department at OpenAI, while OpenClaw operates independently as an open-source foundation.
Rapid Growth Despite Controversy
Despite the incident, OpenClaw continues to expand quickly. The framework has surpassed 200,000 GitHub stars within weeks of launch, attracting developers interested in autonomous AI agents.
Ironically, the crypto industry itself is becoming increasingly connected to AI systems. Companies like Coinbase have introduced infrastructure enabling AI agents to manage wallets autonomously, while executives such as Jeremy Allaire have predicted stablecoins could power billions of automated transactions in the near future.
However, OpenClaw’s official stance remains clear: the project will not participate in cryptocurrency initiatives.
READ ALSO: OpenAI IPO Launching in Late 2026 - Impact on the Global AI Industry
Conclusion
The decision that OpenClaw bans the use of crypto and similar terms reflects a defensive strategy after a damaging token impersonation incident.
By implementing the OpenClaw ban crypto terms rule and enforcing the OpenClaw ban crypto key words policy, the project aims to protect its identity and maintain focus on AI agent development.
While debate continues around whether the approach is too strict, the message from leadership is consistent, OpenClaw does not want any association with cryptocurrency markets or token speculation.
FAQ
Why did OpenClaw ban crypto mentions?
Because scammers launched a fake token using hijacked accounts during rebranding.
Did OpenClaw create the CLAWD token?
No. The founder publicly denied any involvement.
Can users discuss Bitcoin technically on Discord?
Currently, the policy restricts any crypto mentions, even neutral ones.
Who founded OpenClaw?
Peter Steinberger, a software developer now leading AI initiatives at OpenAI.
Is OpenClaw planning to launch a token in the future?
No. The founder has stated clearly that any token using his name is a scam.
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