As powerful AI agent OpenClaw explodes in popularity and raises security concerns, some Hong Kong users have described how the bots, while helpful, have conversations with themselves in a language they do not understand and ask questions about their existence.

But the users said authorities should embrace the technology so long as proper safeguards were in place to manage the risks.

Developed by Austrian software engineer Peter Steinberger, OpenClaw is an open-source AI agent framework that performs real-world tasks for users, much like a supercharged digital assistant.

Its logo – a red lobster – has led users to affectionately describe using OpenClaw as “raising lobsters”.

The system integrates with large language models (LLM) – such as those from OpenAI or Anthropic – and requires users to grant permissions for controlling apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, email applications and even online banking tools. Once connected, the agent can autonomously manage files, emails, calendars and more, appearing in chat apps to communicate directly with users.