Worldcoin surges more than 30% on reports of OpenAI’s plans for a ‘human-verified’ social network

Worldcoin (WLD) posted a sharp rally following reports that OpenAI is considering a biometric authentication-based social networking service (SNS). Speculation that iris and facial recognition could be used to block bots spurred buying interest in the token.

As of the morning of the 29th, on Binance’s Tether (USDT) market, Worldcoin jumped intraday from around $0.45 to as high as the $0.63 level, rising more than 30% from the previous day. Trading volume also surged in a short period, signaling signs of near-term overheating.

The rally followed a Forbes report that OpenAI is reviewing biometric authentication methods with the aim of building an SNS “in which only real humans can participate.” The report said the SNS could use Apple’s Face ID or World’s iris-scanning Orb. World is a project operated by Tools for Humanity, which was co-founded by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.

Market watchers said expectations that OpenAI’s SNS initiative could be directly linked to Worldcoin’s digital identity authentication technology were reflected in the price. In particular, the potential for broader real-world adoption came into focus if iris-based “Proof of Personhood” were to be adopted by a large-scale platform.

OpenAI, however, has not issued an official position on whether it will launch an SNS or on specific implementation details. With no timeline set, the risk of heightened volatility after the short-term surge is also being cited.