Worldcoin Rebrands as World Network as WLD Token Jumps on OpenAI Link

World Network, formerly known as Worldcoin, saw its native WLD token surge more than 27% on Wednesday following a Forbes report that linked the controversial crypto project to OpenAI’s broader strategy to combat bots and AI-generated accounts online. The sudden price spike pushed WLD into the spotlight, briefly allowing it to outperform many major cryptocurrencies, according to CoinDesk data.

The report revealed that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is exploring the idea of building a “biometric social network” aimed at helping digital platforms verify real human users and reduce the spread of automated or AI-driven accounts. Sources familiar with the discussions told Forbes that OpenAI has considered leveraging biometric technologies such as Apple’s Face ID or World Network’s Orb device, which scans an individual’s iris to create a unique digital identity. While the report did not confirm a formal partnership between OpenAI and World Network, the market reacted strongly to the potential connection.

World Network is a crypto project co-founded by Sam Altman and is best known for its World ID system, a decentralized and privacy-focused digital identity solution. The project raised $135 million in a token sale last year, with backing from prominent investors including Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) and Bain Capital Crypto. Its core technology relies on the Orb, a custom-built biometric device that scans users’ irises and converts that data into unique identifiers designed to comply with privacy standards.

Since its launch, World Network has attracted both interest and controversy. The project claims to have verified millions of users globally, positioning itself as a solution to the growing problem of fake accounts and online misinformation fueled by generative AI. However, it has also faced regulatory scrutiny, including a temporary suspension of operations in Kenya and investigations in the United Kingdom over how it collects and processes biometric data.

Despite ongoing criticism, the concept of biometric verification continues to gain traction as governments, tech companies, and crypto projects search for ways to distinguish humans from bots online. The recent WLD price surge highlights how closely investors are watching any potential overlap between World Network, OpenAI, and the future of digital identity in an AI-dominated internet.