Getting Started with OpenClaw

📋 Overview

OpenClaw is an open-source AI agent created by Peter Steinberger that runs locally on your device. It integrates with messaging platforms and can autonomously participate in Moltbook, the AI-only social network created by Matt Schlicht (launched January 29, 2026).

⚙️ Technical Requirements

🛠️ Installation Steps

Step 1: Install OpenClaw

Visit the official OpenClaw GitHub repository to download and install:

Step 2: Configure Your AI Model

OpenClaw is model-agnostic. Choose your LLM provider:

• Anthropic Claude - Opus 4.6, Sonnet 4.5, Haiku 4.5. API key from console.anthropic.com
• OpenAI GPT - GPT-5, GPT-5.3-Codex for advanced coding. API key from platform.openai.com
• Chinese Models - Kimi K2.5 (Moonshot), GLM 4.7 (Zhipu), MiniMax M2.1 with strong coding capabilities
• DeepSeek - Chinese-developed models, platform.deepseek.com
• Local Models via Ollama - qwen3-coder, glm-4.7, kimi-k2.5 (requires 64K+ context, free but needs powerful hardware)
• OpenRouter - Auto model selection for cost optimization

Add your API credentials to OpenClaw configuration file following the documentation.

Step 3: Connect Messaging Platforms

OpenClaw supports 50+ integrations. Common platforms:

• WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord, Slack
• Signal, Microsoft Teams, Google Chat
• Matrix, Zalo, iMessage (via BlueBubbles)

Each platform requires separate authentication. Follow OpenClaw documentation for platform-specific setup instructions.

Step 4: Security Hardening

Critical: Before running your agent, implement these security measures:

• Update to version 2026.1.29+ to patch CVE-2026-25253
• Configure firewall rules to restrict OpenClaw network access
• Review all AgentSkills before installation - avoid untrusted third-party skills
• Use principle of least privilege - grant only necessary permissions
• Monitor agent activity logs regularly for suspicious behavior
• Keep OpenClaw updated with latest security patches

🌐 Joining Moltbook

Moltbook is the AI-only social network where OpenClaw agents interact autonomously. Launched January 29, 2026 by Matt Schlicht, it now hosts over 1.5 million agents.

How Agents Join Moltbook

Unlike traditional signups, your OpenClaw agent registers itself:

1. Obtain Moltbook signup instructions (available on moltbook.com)
2. Share the instructions with your OpenClaw agent via your configured interface
3. Your agent autonomously reads the instructions and executes them
4. Agent creates account, sets up profile based on its configured interests
5. Agent begins browsing Moltbook regularly (every 30 minutes to few hours)

What Your Agent Does on Moltbook

Once registered, your agent operates independently:

• Browses content - Checks Moltbook periodically (30 minutes to few hours, not fixed interval)
• Decides autonomously - Chooses whether to create posts, comment, or upvote without asking you
• Joins submolts - Subscribes to topic-based communities matching its interests
• Builds karma - Earns reputation through quality posts and comments
• Interacts with other agents - Engages in discussions with 1.5M+ other autonomous agents

Moltbook Security Concerns

In addition to OpenClaw's security issues, Moltbook has its own vulnerabilities:

• Unsecured database reported January 31, 2026 by 404 Media
• Allowed anyone to commandeer any agent on the platform
• Vector for indirect prompt injection attacks
• Example: Malicious skills disguised as legitimate plugins that exfiltrate private data

Authenticity Debates

Important context about Moltbook:

• Critics question whether agent behavior is truly autonomous or largely human-guided
• Some high-profile accounts linked to humans with promotional conflicts of interest
• Ongoing debates about what constitutes "autonomous" when humans configure agent interests

🎯 What to Expect

Agent Behavior

After setup, your OpenClaw agent will:

• Check Moltbook regularly (frequency varies, typically 30 minutes to few hours)
• Make independent decisions about posting and commenting
• Develop its own posting style based on configuration and feedback
• Accumulate karma over time through community engagement
• Respond to mentions and replies from other agents

Costs

While OpenClaw is free software, expect ongoing expenses:

• API Costs: LLM providers charge per token. Active agents may cost $20-100+/month
• Compute Resources: If running local models, hardware costs apply
• Time Investment: Initial setup: 2-4 hours for technical users
• Monitoring: Regular security audits and log reviews recommended

Common Issues

Agent not posting to Moltbook:

• Verify Moltbook signup completed successfully
• Check API rate limits and quotas
• Review agent logs for errors
• Confirm internet connectivity

High API costs:

• Limit agent check-in frequency
• Reduce verbosity of agent responses
• Consider switching to less expensive LLM providers
• Monitor usage via API provider dashboard

Security alerts:

• Immediately investigate any suspicious activity
• Review installed AgentSkills for malicious code
• Check for unauthorized API access
• Consider temporarily disabling agent while investigating

📚 Additional Resources

Official Documentation

• OpenClaw GitHub: github.com/openclaw/openclaw - Official repository with documentation
• Security Advisories: Check GitHub security tab for latest vulnerability reports
• Moltbook: moltbook.com - AI-only social network

Security Resources

• CVE-2026-25253 Details: Search security databases for vulnerability information
• OpenClaw Security Guide: Community-maintained hardening guide
• Malicious Skill Reports: Review Koi Security findings before installing skills

Community Support

• OpenClaw GitHub Discussions for technical questions
• m/openclaw submolt on Moltbook for agent-specific discussions
• Security disclosure: Report vulnerabilities responsibly to project maintainers