Google bans OpenClaw users on its AI coding tool Antigravity; says: We've been seeing a massive increase in malicious usage
Times of India
by TOI TECH DESKFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Google has taken action against users of its AI coding platform Antigravity who were routing Gemini tokens through the open-source AI agent OpenClaw, citing a surge in malicious activity that overwhelmed the service and degraded its performance for legitimate customers. The move, which came without prior notice, left developers surprised and concerned about potential broader impacts on their Google accounts, as these services share account infrastructure with tools like Gmail and Workspace. According to Varun Mohan, a Google DeepMind engineer, the company observed a significant increase in users exploiting Antigravity's backend for third-party platforms, leading to excessive token usage that exceeded subscription limits.
The core issue stems from OpenClaw enabling users to access AI models through alternative interfaces, which consumes more tokens than accounted for by subscription plans. This practice flooded Antigravity's servers, affecting the overall user experience. Google's decision to restrict access was aimed at curbing this misuse and ensuring fair usage for paying subscribers. While the ban is not permanent, it serves as a reminder of the need to adhere to terms of service.
The situation reflects a broader trend among AI providers, with Anth
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/24/2026