OpenAI, the AI company co-founded by Sam Altman, is reportedly in discussions to collaborate with Worldcoin, a cryptocurrency venture backed by Altman's other firm, Tools for Humanity. Worldcoin aims to offer universal basic income and identity verification services, and it sees an opportunity to utilize OpenAI's advanced AI solutions. However, the potential partnership could attract increased regulatory scrutiny due to Altman's prominent role in both companies.

Alex Blania, CEO of Tools for Humanity, suggests that Altman's involvement may be drawing more attention than usual to a project of Worldcoin's scale. Blania's comments, although vague, are noteworthy considering Worldcoin's status as one of the world's most active providers of universal basic income and identity verification services, with an average of two million daily users.

Despite past controversies and regulatory challenges, both OpenAI and Worldcoin remain undeterred. OpenAI recently avoided scrutiny from European Union authorities regarding its association with Microsoft, while Worldcoin has faced bans in Portugal, Kenya, and Spain in the first quarter of 2024 alone.

Worldcoin is aggressively expanding its operations, including the recent launch of its proprietary blockchain that prioritizes verified human users over bots. Additionally, the company plans to increase its WLD token supply by 36 million, equivalent to approximately $196 million, over the next six months through selective sales to specific institutions.

Of note, Worldcoin utilizes "orbs," hardware designed to scan users' irises, similar to fingerprints, for digital identity confirmation. Upon successful registration, users receive 10 WLD tokens, currently valued at $4.81 each, with an additional 2 tokens each month thereafter. Despite deploying hundreds of orbs, the company faces a supply shortage due to high demand.