OpenAI’s $500 Billion Valuation Plans Amid Worldcoin’s Biometric Controversy and Regulatory Scrutiny

• OpenAI’s valuation could rise 66% from its last raise, reflecting strong investor interest.

• China warns against the potential misuse of biometric data in cryptocurrency, specifically targeting Worldcoin.

• Scrutiny around AI and privacy intensifies as OpenAI’s ties to Worldcoin come under examination.

OpenAI aims for a $500 billion valuation while concerns grow over biometric data collection linked to Worldcoin. Investors are closely watching these developments.

$500 Billion for AI, Iris Scans for Crypto: The Global Race to Monetize Minds

OpenAI’s planned $500 billion valuation would mark a 66% increase from its last $300 billion raise. This valuation is already one of the largest in tech history.

Similar to Coinbase, OpenAI aims to provide liquidity to employees and early backers while capitalizing on soaring investor demand.

🚨NEWS: OPENAI TO ALLOW CURRENT AND FORMER EMPLOYEES TO CASH OUT

> OpenAI in early stage discussions
> allow (ex) employees sell billions of dollars worth of OAI shares
> to investors
> and value the non-profit at about $500 billion

(pre-potential IPO) pic.twitter.com/um8LwgVGCA

— NIK (@ns123abc) August 6, 2025

Last week, OpenAI reportedly secured $8.3 billion from investors for the second tranche of its recent $40 billion raise, led by SoftBank.

The offering was oversubscribed fivefold, indicating strong interest as OpenAI expands into hardware and prepares to release GPT-5.

pic.twitter.com/sYI4hYfHfx

— ChatGPT (@ChatGPTapp) July 30, 2025

However, while venture capitalists rush to invest, global regulators are watching closely, particularly in China.

China Warns of Iris Scans and Crypto-Driven Surveillance

China’s Ministry of State Security has issued warnings about the systematic collection of iris data in exchange for cryptocurrency, citing national security concerns.

While local media did not name specific projects, the description unmistakably refers to Worldcoin, now rebranded simply as World.

Worldcoin, backed by Tools for Humanity and Sam Altman, has faced controversy for its proof-of-personhood system, which involves scanning users’ irises for token distributions.

The project claims its biometric onboarding ensures one-person-one-wallet fairness in crypto economies.

However, Chinese authorities allege it may also enable foreign influence and mass surveillance through blockchain-integrated identity systems.

This warning follows Kenya and Indonesia’s suspension of Worldcoin’s operations due to “suspicious activity” and broader concerns about the potential misuse of biometric data.

This serves as a reminder that decentralization does not equate to immunity from real-world power struggles.

While OpenAI does not distribute tokens, its close ties to Worldcoin raise broader questions about AI, privacy, and the commodification of human identity. Sam Altman’s involvement in both projects fuels scrutiny.

OpenAI faces increasing pressure in the U.S. regarding intellectual property use and privacy standards, while China emphasizes “data sovereignty” and warns that AI and crypto could be vectors for foreign control.

As OpenAI approaches a half-trillion-dollar valuation, its ambitions are both exciting and concerning.

Investors pursuing the next tech mega-cycle should consider the regulatory challenges emerging from both East and West.

Data on CoinGecko shows WLD was trading for $0.9391 as of this writing, down by 2.2% in the last 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is OpenAI’s current valuation?

OpenAI is seeking a $500 billion valuation through a secondary share sale, reflecting strong investor interest.

What concerns does China have regarding biometric data?

China warns about the potential misuse of biometric data collected through cryptocurrency, specifically targeting Worldcoin.

Key Takeaways

• OpenAI’s Valuation: Aiming for $500 billion, marking a significant increase in investor interest.
• China’s Warning: Concerns over biometric data collection linked to Worldcoin highlight regulatory scrutiny.
• Investor Caution: The tech landscape is evolving, and regulatory challenges are emerging globally.

Conclusion

As OpenAI seeks a $500 billion valuation, the intersection of AI, privacy, and biometric data raises critical questions. Investors must navigate these complexities while considering the implications of regulatory scrutiny in both the East and West.