Baidu launched the open-source AI agent OpenClaw within its flagship search app on February 14, extending personal AI assistant capabilities to approximately 700 million monthly active users. This deployment represents one of the largest consumer AI rollouts in China to date.
Users can message the Austrian-developed OpenClaw agent through the main Baidu search application to perform tasks such as scheduling appointments, organizing documents, and writing code. Previously, access was limited to messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram. Deployment via Baidu Intelligent Cloud is completed within the app in under a minute. Users activate the agent by tagging it in the search bar or engaging through chat. OpenClaw can be deployed locally or in the cloud, receiving instructions through instant-messaging tools.
The integration connects OpenClaw to Baidu’s broader ecosystem. Over time, the agent will access capabilities across Baidu Search, Baidu Baike, Wenku, Netdisk, and e-commerce platforms. Baidu’s official e-commerce skill is listed on ClawHub, enabling cross-platform price comparison and reputation analysis.
CrowdStrike warned that misconfigured OpenClaw on corporate machines could be commandeered as an AI backdoor executing adversaries’ instructions. Malicious instructions can be submitted directly to exposed instances or embedded in data sources like emails and webpages. The launch timing, ahead of China’s Lunar New Year holiday, reflects Chinese tech giants’ race to attract users and demonstrate returns on AI investments.
