Anthropic takes on OpenClaw with new Claude Code text feature

Users can now text Claude Code using Discord and Telegram.

Anthropic is responding to the OpenClaw frenzy by connecting Claude Code into text channels, allowing users to control the bot via a two-way chat.

Peter Steinberger’s open source project OpenClaw has managed to capture a large audience since launching in November. The tool is especially popular in China, where OpenAI and Anthropic do not provide their services commercially.

Chinese technology leaders, including Alibaba, Baidu, ByteDance, Tencent and MiniMax have already launched OpenClaw-based apps in the country. Tencent launched a new tool on Sunday (22 March) that lets its WeChat messaging platform integrate with OpenClaw agents.

OpenClaw’s appeal to a large audience lies in its low barrier to entry. It lets users create personal AI agents for a variety of tasks, that can be accessed and instructed via chat apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Discord.

However, personal agents such as OpenClaw need to be given access to a user’s computer (the extent varies, depending on the use case), increasing the risk of cybersecurity incidents.

The recent, strong agentic AI uptake has moved China to restrict state-run enterprises and government agencies from running OpenClaw apps on office computers.

Anthropic is trying to counter OpenClaw’s appeal by offering a similar feature called ‘Claude Code Channels’, with a stronger brand identity and added security features. According to Anthropic, admins can manage channels, and every approved channel plugin maintains a sender ‘allow-list’.

A channel is a Model Context Protocol server used as the standard for connecting AI apps to external systems.

The channels let users text and instruct the coding bot via Discord and Telegram. Previously Claude Code users could only interact with the agents via the Claude desktop app, terminal, supported developer environments, or the Claude mobile app.

The potential security issues associated with OpenClaw has also inspired other offshoots, including Nvidia’s open source stack NemoClaw, AI start-up Kilo’s KiloClaw, and NanoClaw.

Meanwhile, Google is reportedly developing an AI agent that can navigate the Chrome browser and complete tasks on behalf of a user, reported Wired recently.

Earlier this month, Meta snapped up the viral ‘human-free’ platform for AI agents called Moltbook, developed using OpenClaw technology. A month earlier, OpenAI had poached its creator.

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