Google restricted some users from its AI services after detecting misuse.
The company said the step was needed to protect the platform and other users.
The issue raises concerns about relying on AI services controlled by big tech companies.
Google has recently restricted access to its Antigravity AI tool powered by Gemini for some users. The affected users were those who used OpenClaw, which is an open-source AI assistant that assists people in writing code and completing tasks without requiring advanced technical knowledge. The move has drawn attention because it underscores how much control tech companies have over who can use their AI services. Users reported that the restrictions came without warning, leaving them unable to access Antigravity and, in some cases, other Google services such as Gmail. OpenClaw creator Peter Steinberger criticised Google’s decision as harsh and cautioned other developers to be careful when using the platform.
SurveyVarun Mohan, head of Antigravity, explained that the backend had seen a rise in malicious activity, which affected service quality for regular users. He said the company needed a way to quickly block these accounts while still allowing legitimate users to regain access later. Mohan acknowledged that some users might not have realised they were violating Google’s terms but emphasised that the company has limited capacity to manage exceptions fairly.
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This statement came after some Gemini AI Ultra subscribers reported on the Google AI Developer Forum that they couldn’t access the Gemini 2.5 Pro model, and in some cases, other connected services like Gmail and Google Workspace. Furthermore, Google has also stated that the decision was made because some users were not using Antigravity as intended.
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OpenClaw is a widely used service that connects AI models, such as Google’s Gemini and Anthropic’s Claude, to automate tasks like email management, flight check-in, and more. However, AI services are now being more careful about third-party services that go against the official usage guidelines. For instance, Anthropic has recently revised its guidelines to not allow the use of OAuth tokens from its Claude AI service in third-party services.
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The controversy is also arising as OpenClaw is being integrated with OpenAI, which is a rival to Google and Anthropic. This might be the reason why tech firms are now being more careful about third-party services that work with their platforms. For consumers, this is a cause of concern regarding reliance on AI services that are managed by private corporations.
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Bhaskar Sharma
Bhaskar is a senior copy editor at Digit India, where he simplifies complex tech topics across iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and emerging consumer tech. His work has appeared in iGeeksBlog, GuidingTech, and other publications, and he previously served as an assistant editor at TechBloat and TechReloaded. A B.Tech graduate and full-time tech writer, he is known for clear, practical guides and explainers. View Full Profile
