OpenClaw’s rapid rise exposes ‘shadow AI’ risks in Singapore firms
Associate Professor Ooi Wei Tsang from the Department of Computer Science was featured in a report by The Business Times on the rapid uptake of new open-source AI agent OpenClaw and the risks it raises for enterprise use.
The article looks at how tools like OpenClaw can carry out multi-step tasks with minimal human input, allowing users to automate workflows quickly. However, this ease of use also means such tools may be deployed without proper oversight or safeguards.
A/Prof Ooi cautioned that using these systems without appropriate controls can expose organisations to significant risks.
He likened it to “hiring an intern who blindly obeys instructions, while still giving them deep access to enterprise system, and allowing external parties to send instructions directly.”
A/Prof Ooi added that large language models can produce incorrect or misleading instructions, which may lead to unintended or harmful actions when executed by autonomous systems.
The report highlights growing concerns around “shadow AI”, where such tools are used outside formal IT governance, and the need for stronger safeguards including validation, human oversight and secure system design.