OpenClaw Imposes Strict No-Crypto Rule on Discord

TheNewsCryptoPubblicato 2026-02-23Pubblicato ultima volta 2026-02-23

Introduzione

OpenClaw has implemented a strict no-cryptocurrency policy on its Discord server, banning any mentions of Bitcoin or other digital assets. This decision follows a high-profile scam involving a fraudulent Solana-based token, $CLAWD, which was promoted using abandoned social media handles during OpenClaw's rebrand. The token reached a $16 million market cap before crashing over 90% after creator Peter Steinberger denied any involvement. Although a user was temporarily banned for referencing Bitcoin block height in a technical discussion, the zero-tolerance policy remains. OpenClaw aims to prevent brand misuse and protect users from scams, prioritizing security over open discussion of blockchain topics.

OpenClaw has introduced a strict no-crypto policy across its Discord channels following a high-profile token scam linked to its recent rebrand. Peter Steinberger, the creator of OpenClaw, has confirmed that any mention of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies will lead to a ban from the server.

The policy came into the spotlight after a user was banned for mentioning the block height of Bitcoin as a timing reference in a technical conversation. The user posted about the incident on a public forum, and Steinberger was forced to clarify the server policy.

Blanket Ban Covers All Crypto Mentions

Steinberger has justified the harsh policy by saying that all users agree to abide by the server rules when they register. The policy applies to all forms of cryptocurrency references, whether in technical conversations or otherwise.

The banned user has explained that they made the reference to Bitcoin block height only for the sake of benchmarking. Steinberger has since agreed to unban the user and asked them to send their username to be let back in.

The policy still stands despite the user being unbanned. Steinberger has said that OpenClaw will enforce a zero-tolerance policy on any cryptocurrency-related conversation to avoid confusion and exploitation.

$CLAWD Scam Sparks Crackdown

The security measure follows a scam involving a Solana-based token named $CLAWD. The incident occurred during OpenClaw’s rebranding process after Steinberger received a trademark notice that required a name change.

Scammers exploited the transition period. They seized abandoned social media handles before the project claimed new ones. The attackers used those accounts to promote the $CLAWD token, suggesting it represented an official launch of OpenClaw.

The token quickly rose to a market capitalization of around $16 million. This was due to the assumption of legitimacy by the traders. However, when Steinberger denied involvement in the project, the token crashed by over 90%.

Steinberger was accused by early buyers of being behind a pump-and-dump scam. However, he denied the allegations and stated that he would never create a cryptocurrency.

You can check the trends in crypto scam reporting on Chainalysis, and the guidelines for the Discord community can be found on the official Discord policy page.

Security Risks Extend Beyond Tokens

Later, security experts found that there were hundreds of vulnerable OpenClaw instances available online. They also found dozens of malicious plugins, many of which were intended for crypto traders.

The $CLAWD scandal brought the crypto-related communities under greater scrutiny. OpenClaw has since decided to remove all crypto-related discussions to ensure there is no risk of brand misuse.

Steinberger’s position also indicates the increasing conflict between open-source projects and crypto trading. Although some communities are open to token economies, OpenClaw has decided to distance itself.

The policy may be frustrating for users who participate in blockchain-related technical discussions. However, the OpenClaw team feels that it is more important to be clear than flexible.

By ensuring that all cryptocurrency discussions are banned, the project hopes to protect its brand and prevent misuse in the future. With the constant emergence of crypto-related scams on social media platforms, communities are increasingly turning to hard-line moderation policies.

OpenClaw’s policy also indicates that it is taking a defensive position. The project prioritizes brand protection and user safety over open communication about blockchain technology. Whether this policy will stick in the long run will depend on the reaction of the community and the reduction of security threats.

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Domande pertinenti

QWhat is the new policy that OpenClaw has implemented on its Discord server?

AOpenClaw has implemented a strict no-crypto policy, banning any mention of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies on its Discord channels.

QWhy did OpenClaw decide to enforce this strict no-cryptocurrency rule?

AThe policy was enacted following a high-profile scam involving a Solana-based token named $CLAWD, which fraudulently used the OpenClaw brand, and to prevent future brand misuse and exploitation.

QWhat incident brought the new policy into the spotlight after a user was banned?

AThe policy gained attention when a user was banned for mentioning the Bitcoin block height as a timing reference in a technical discussion, which they claimed was for benchmarking purposes.

QWhat was the result of the $CLAWD token scam after Steinberger denied involvement?

AAfter Peter Steinberger denied any involvement with the $CLAWD token, its value crashed by over 90% from its peak market capitalization of around $16 million.

QBeyond token scams, what other security risks were discovered related to OpenClaw?

ASecurity experts found hundreds of vulnerable OpenClaw instances online and dozens of malicious plugins, many of which were targeted at crypto traders.

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