Chinese authorities are reportedly moving to restrict government agencies and state-run companies from using the agentic AI platform OpenClaw due to potential security risks.
Bloomberg reported agencies and companies including the country’s largest banks have been instructed not to install OpenClaw software on office devices.
OpenClaw is a growing phenomenon, with adoption rapidly increasing across the globe.
It runs as an open-source AI assistant, performing a range of tasks including booking flights, organising email inboxes and conducting research.
However, the Chinese government has growing issues with OpenClaw’s need to access vast amounts of private data, which can then be communicated externally and thus increases the threat of attacks.
Bloomberg noted Chinese President Xi Jinping has long placed data as a core pillar of its wider national security policy.
While the government’s directive does not call for a ban of OpenClaw, Bloomberg sources claim employees of government agencies and state-run companies must notify superiors if they have already installed related software for possible security checks, which could result in removal. Other notices apparently state approval must be secured before use.
However, despite China’s concerns, two of the country’s biggest technology companies Tencent and JD.com are pushing OpenClaw adoption.
Reuters reported the former hosted a dedicated OpenClaw training session in Shenzhen last week, drawing big crowds.
Source: Mobile World Live
Image Credit: OpenClaw AI
