New Delhi: AI firm Anthropic has introduced a new pricing policy requiring users to pay extra for accessing its Claude Code assistant through third-party tools like OpenClaw, sparking criticism from developers.
Under the change, effective April 4, subscribers can no longer use their existing Claude subscription limits with external platforms. Instead, usage via third-party “harnesses” will be billed separately under a pay-as-you-go model.
The policy, initially applied to OpenClaw, will soon extend to all similar tools, the company confirmed.
Anthropic said the move is driven by infrastructure constraints and that its subscription model was not designed for heavy third-party integration. Head of Claude Code Boris Cherny stated the change aims to ensure sustainable resource allocation as demand for AI-powered development tools rises.
The decision has drawn sharp reaction from OpenClaw creator Peter Steinberger, who accused Anthropic of restricting open-source ecosystems. “First they copy… then they lock out open source,” he said, highlighting tensions between independent developers and major AI firms.
OpenClaw, known for automating tasks like email management and scheduling, had gained popularity among advanced users, contributing to increased load on Anthropic’s systems.
The policy shift comes amid intensifying competition in AI coding tools, with companies balancing rapid innovation against rising operational costs and evolving business models.
