China’s OpenClaw craze has prompted reports of data loss and security warnings as the open-source AI agent spreads rapidly across the country.
OpenClaw, released by Austrian developer Peter Steinberger, is an autonomous program that can perform tasks on a user’s computer and access deep system permissions.
Users report file loss issues while using OpenClaw.
Major cloud platforms have added one-click setup services, and smartphone makers and startups have announced integrations or commercial forks.
Seven local governments offer subsidies to promote AI agent development.
Security experts warn agents with deep system access can create privacy and data risks, prompting calls for more safeguards as usage grows.
🔗 Source: South China Morning Post
Originally written by: Naomi Li Gan
Source: Tech in Asia
Published on: 15 March 2026
Link to original article: China’s OpenClaw AI sparks security warnings, startup hype
