The cryptocurrency World (WLD) experienced a dramatic price surge of more than 27% on Wednesday, January 29, 2026, following a Forbes report suggesting a potential collaboration between two of Sam Altman's ventures: OpenAI and Worldcoin (now known as World).
According to the report, which cited anonymous sources, OpenAI is developing a "humans-only" social media platform designed to combat the proliferation of AI bots on networks like X, Instagram, and TikTok. A key strategy being considered is leveraging World's proprietary eyeball-scanning Orb device to verify that users are real humans through biometric testing. The small team at OpenAI is also reportedly exploring the use of Apple's Face ID as an alternative verification method.
World, developed by Tools for Humanity (a company co-founded by Altman), has built its network on the concept of "Proof of Personhood." It issues its WLD cryptocurrency and a World ID to users who undergo an in-person Orb scan to verify their humanity. The project claims to have signed up more than 17 million users via its World App.
The market reacted with significant optimism to the prospect of World's decentralized identity technology being integrated into a mass-market social platform backed by OpenAI's success with ChatGPT and Sora. This rally notably outperformed most major cryptocurrencies on the day, highlighting focused investor interest.
It is crucial to note that Forbes states there is no confirmed formal collaboration between OpenAI and World at this time. World did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the report. The project has previously faced regulatory scrutiny and operational suspensions, including in Kenya, and inquiries in the United Kingdom over its biometric data collection practices.
In a related development from late last year, World partnered with web3 gaming studio Mythical Games to help separate bots from humans in gaming environments, indicating its ongoing efforts to commercialize its identity verification technology.
