OpenAI’s social network plans include biometric verification
OpenAI is reportedly working on a social network that would use biometric verification tools to ensure users are real people. According to a Forbes report, the company is considering systems like Apple’s Face ID or World’s iris-scanning Orb technology.
The project is still in early development, built by a small internal team of fewer than ten people. Sources familiar with the effort describe it as a “real humans only” network, which would position OpenAI against the bot-driven engagement that has become common on platforms like X.
World’s Orb technology and privacy concerns
The identity verification would rely on proof-of-personhood systems, including World’s Orb device. This technology creates a unique identifier from a user’s iris scan. World is operated by Tools for Humanity, a company founded by OpenAI’s chief executive Sam Altman.
Privacy advocates have expressed concerns about this approach. Iris scans are permanent biometric data, and there are worries about long-term risks if this information were ever compromised. It’s worth noting that iris patterns don’t change over time, unlike passwords or other forms of identification.
Market reaction and development timeline
The report sparked significant interest in World’s native token, WLD, which surged more than 25% on the day to around $0.55. This market reaction shows how closely investors are watching OpenAI’s moves, even when projects are in early stages.
Sources caution that OpenAI’s plans could still change significantly. There’s no set timeline for a public launch, and the company might adjust its approach based on feedback or technical challenges. The social network concept represents a departure from OpenAI’s core AI development work, though perhaps it’s a natural extension of their interest in human-computer interaction.
Broader implications for social platforms
The idea of a “real humans only” network raises interesting questions about online interaction. Current social media platforms struggle with bot accounts, fake engagement, and identity verification. A platform that could reliably verify human users might create a different kind of online experience.
But I think there are practical challenges too. Biometric verification requires users to have specific hardware, which could limit accessibility. There are also cultural differences in how people view privacy and biometric data collection.
It’s unclear whether this project will actually launch, or what form it might take if it does. OpenAI has experimented with various applications of its technology, from chatbots to image generators. A social network would be another direction entirely, though perhaps one that makes sense given their focus on human-AI interaction.
The connection to World’s technology is particularly interesting, given Sam Altman’s involvement with both companies. This could create synergies, or perhaps raise questions about conflicts of interest. Either way, it’s a development worth watching, even if it’s still early days.
