“Lobster Fever”: China Sees Surge of Interest in AI Tool OpenClaw Despite Security Concerns
China is witnessing a growing wave of interest in a new artificial intelligence tool known as OpenClaw, which has sparked what users describe as “Lobster Fever.” The tool has spread rapidly among individuals and businesses despite official warnings about potential security risks.
OpenClaw stands out for its ability to perform practical daily tasks such as sending emails, organizing files, and even booking airline tickets. This functionality distinguishes it from traditional chatbots such as ChatGPT, which primarily focus on conversation and text generation.
The tool was developed by Austrian programmer Peter Steinberger last November to help organize his own digital life, before quickly evolving into a technological phenomenon in China.
OpenClaw works by connecting users to various AI models and allowing them to issue simple commands through instant messaging applications. The system then automatically executes tasks on the user’s behalf.
Rapid Expansion
The rapid spread of the tool has prompted major Chinese technology companies—including Baidu, Tencent, Alibaba, and ByteDance—to support its adoption by offering simplified installation methods and low-cost cloud services to host these digital agents, further accelerating its popularity among users.
Technology events in the Chinese capital Beijing have attracted hundreds of participants eager to test the tool and learn how to operate what users call the “Little Lobster.” Similar meetups and technical gatherings have also taken place in other major cities such as Shanghai and Shenzhen.
Several cities, including Wuxi and Hangzhou, have also announced financial support to encourage the development and use of AI agents.
Despite the enthusiasm, experts have warned about potential security risks associated with such tools. Granting AI agents access to personal accounts and digital services could expose users to serious threats if the systems are compromised, potentially allowing attackers to gain access to multiple connected services.
At the same time, global technology companies have begun showing interest in the developers behind these innovations. The creator of OpenClaw recently joined OpenAI, while Meta has recruited another team that developed a social platform where AI agents can interact with each other.
Developers say the rapid adoption of these tools reflects a shift in how users in China perceive artificial intelligence. Rather than viewing AI as merely a chatbot, it is increasingly seen as a practical tool capable of performing real tasks and managing parts of users’ digital lives.