By Breaking Editor 
Privacy and compliance will be difficult topics as Agentic AI marks it’s arrival for the masses via OpenClaw. Large companies could not arrive at the opportune idea due to issues around the privacy concept and the inherent risk in a product having such unfettered access to the user’s local data while sending requests outside of their network.
In recent discussions surrounding the AI tool OpenClaw, opinions have been sharply divided. The project, originally conceived by Austrian developer Peter Steinberger, has sparked conversations about the responsibilities of AI developers, with some calling the tool a potential danger to users.
On February 15, 2026, Drew Harwell, an independent journalist, expressed concern on social media, stating, “Do feel like AI tool developers should think about the obvious consequences sometimes.” This sentiment reflects a broader apprehension in the tech community regarding the unchecked deployment of AI advancements.
The hype around OpenClaw has also brought additional figures into the conversation. For instance, a user highlighted the contributions of another Austrian developer, Mario Zechner, whose work reportedly underpins the core functionality of OpenClaw. This acknowledgment was part of a growing trend to credit individuals behind important tech innovations, with calls for greater visibility of such developers in public forums.
Further intensifying the conversation, Steinberger recently announced his move to OpenAI, sparking discussions about the future of OpenClaw as an open-source project. “OpenAI said OpenClaw will live on as an open-source project,” reported TechCrunch on February 15. Critics, however, are not shying away from voicing skepticism. One user characterized OpenClaw as a “terrible product that does nothing of value,” raising concerns over the broader implications of its use in automated tasks.
While excitement about AI continues to rise, concerns about its safety are paramount. Users have noted significant security vulnerabilities associated with the tool, warning that it could expose personal data to malicious actors. “Die gehypte Gratis-KI OpenClaw zeigt: KI-Agenten bergen massive Sicherheitslücken,” commented Wirtschaftswoche, emphasizing the pressing need for robust security measures in AI applications.
Steinberger’s transition has been framed not just as a career move but as a step towards making AI tools more accessible and secure. The shifting landscape reflects broader competitive dynamics between European and American tech hubs, with calls for Europe to enhance its footprint in the AI sector.