OpenClaw and the Dream of Free Labour
Summary
The article analyzes OpenClaw, a local open-source AI agent, arguing that its appeal rests on a fantasy of 'free labour' rather than a true breakthrough in autonomy. It traces the product's lineage, security vulnerabilities, and the structural risks of broad permissions, and concludes that practical value lies in constrained automation with strong supervision. It also discusses social and economic implications, emphasizing governance and risk for mid-size enterprises.