The Token Surge
World Network’s WLD token jumped more than 27% on Wednesday. This happened after a Forbes report came out. The report suggested some connection between the crypto project and OpenAI’s broader efforts to tackle bots online.
I think it’s interesting how markets react to these kinds of reports. The token briefly outperformed most major cryptocurrencies. This happened even though there wasn’t any confirmed formal collaboration between OpenAI and World Network. Perhaps investors are just speculating on potential future connections.
Biometric Verification Plans
According to Forbes, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman wants to build what they’re calling a “biometric social network.” The idea is to help online platforms verify users. It would weed out AI-generated accounts and bots. Sources familiar with the matter told Forbes that the OpenAI team has considered different options.
They’ve looked at Apple’s Face ID. They’ve also considered the World Orb. That’s the custom-built device that scans a person’s iris. It creates a unique identity for each user. The report didn’t specify which approach they might choose. Or if they’d use both.
World Network’s Identity System
World Network, which used to be called Worldcoin, is co-founded by Sam Altman himself. The project raised $135 million last year. Big names like a16z and Bain Capital Crypto participated in the token sale.
The core of the project is World ID. It’s described as a decentralized identity system. Privacy-focused, they say. The orb device scans users’ irises. It generates unique identifiers. The company claims this happens in compliance with privacy standards.
But here’s the thing – I’m not entirely sure about the privacy aspects. Scanning irises feels pretty invasive to me. Even if they say it’s secure.
Regulatory Challenges and Future
World Network has faced its share of problems since launch. There’s been curiosity, sure. But also plenty of criticism. The project says it has verified millions of people worldwide. Yet it’s run into regulatory issues.
Kenya temporarily suspended operations there. The U.K. has made inquiries about how they process personal data. These aren’t small concerns.
Still, the broader idea seems to be gaining some traction. As generative AI tools create more spam and misinformation online, people are looking for solutions. Biometric verification might be one approach. Whether it’s the right approach… that’s another question.
I wonder about adoption. Will people really want to scan their irises to use social media? Maybe some will. Maybe for certain applications it makes sense.
The Forbes report didn’t confirm anything concrete. But markets reacted anyway. That tells you something about how these narratives work in crypto. A rumor, a report, a suggestion of connection – and prices move.
It’s worth watching how this develops. Both the technology and the regulatory landscape. And whether any actual collaboration emerges between OpenAI and World Network. For now, it’s just a report. But reports can move markets, as we saw on Wednesday.
