OpenAI, an AI company founded by Sam Altman, is reportedly in talks to partner with Worldcoin, a cryptocurrency-based universal basic income and identity verification firm also co-founded by Altman. Bloomberg recently reported that the two companies are discussing a partnership where OpenAI would provide AI solutions and services to Worldcoin, potentially leading to future collaboration.
This partnership would likely face increased regulatory scrutiny due to Altman’s involvement in both companies. Tools for Humanity CEO Alex Blania spoke to Bloomberg about the potential partnership, but it is unclear what exactly he meant by his comments. Worldcoin is currently one of the most active universal basic income and identity verification services in the world, with an average of two million users per day.
Both OpenAI and Worldcoin have faced controversy and regulatory scrutiny in the past. OpenAI recently avoided allegations of a merger with Microsoft after European Union authorities threatened to investigate the partnership. Meanwhile, Worldcoin has been banned in Portugal, Kenya, and Spain within the first three months of 2024.
Worldcoin has been focused on expanding its operations in 2024. The company recently launched its own blockchain, prioritizing verified Worldcoin users over bots. Additionally, Worldcoin announced plans to increase its WLD token supply by 36 million, valued at around $196 million, over the next six months to sell to select institutions. The popularity of the token continues to rise, leading to a shortage despite having hundreds of the company’s “orbs” in the field.
Orbs are the hardware used by Worldcoin to scan users’ irises, a unique part of the human eye like fingerprints, to register and confirm their digital identity. Users who sign up for the service can have their eyes scanned to receive 10 WLD tokens, currently trading at $4.81, plus an additional two tokens every month.