Worldcoin’s WLD Gains 6% as Sam Altman Joins Microsoft to Lead its New AI Research Team

Microsoft
Last updated:
Author
Author
Ruholamin Haqshanas
About Author

Ruholamin Haqshanas is a contributing crypto writer for CryptoNews. He is a crypto and finance journalist with over four years of experience. Ruholamin has been featured in several high-profile crypto...

Last updated:
Why Trust Cryptonews
Cryptonews has covered the cryptocurrency industry topics since 2017, aiming to provide informative insights to our readers. Our journalists and analysts have extensive experience in market analysis and blockchain technologies. We strive to maintain high editorial standards, focusing on factual accuracy and balanced reporting across all areas - from cryptocurrencies and blockchain projects to industry events, products, and technological developments. Our ongoing presence in the industry reflects our commitment to delivering relevant information in the evolving world of digital assets. Read more about Cryptonews
Image Source: CNBC

Worldcoin’s WLD has gained around 7% amid the news that Microsoft has hired Sam Altman and Greg Brockman, co-founders of OpenAI, to spearhead a new advanced AI research team. 

At the time of writing, WLD is trading at $2.41, up by more than 6.5% over the past day, according to data from CoinGecko.

The rally comes after the announcement of Sam Altman’s departure from OpenAI triggered a sharp decline in the value of WLD last week. 

At the time, WLD dropped to as low as $1.86, marking a 42% decrease from its all-time high of $3.30.

Altman, who co-founded Worldcoin along with Max Novendstern and Alex Blania in 2019, was removed from his position as CEO of OpenAI due to his alleged lack of candid communication that affected the responsibilities of the board. 

Microsoft Hires Altman and Other Former OpenAI Executives

Altman’s unexpected dismissal from OpenAI’s board led to several other members, including Brockman, leaving the firm in protest.Exploiting this oppurtunity, Microsoft has hired both Altman and Brockman to head up its new advanced AI research team.Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella confirmed the appointments on Monday, according to a report by TechCrunchNadella also hinted that additional hires from OpenAI might be joining Altman and Brockman, signaling Microsoft’s commitment to assembling a talented team.The decision to bring Altman and Brockman on board comes as Microsoft is alreadt a major investor in OpenAI with a substantial investment of over $10 billion in the AI company. Nadella emphasized that Microsoft is fully supportive of OpenAI’s product roadmap and expressed eagerness to collaborate with the new leadership team at OpenAI, led by Emmett Shear.“We remain committed to our partnership with OpenAI and have confidence in our product roadmap, our ability to continue to innovate with everything we announced at Microsoft Ignite, and in continuing to support our customers and partners,” Nadella said.“We look forward to getting to know Emmett Shear and OAI’s new leadership team and working with them.”

Worldcoin Faces Privacy Concerns

Worldcoin has faced criticism and controversy since its inception. Last year, MIT Technology Review published an article claiming that the project acquired its first 500,000 users through “deception, exploited workers, and cash handouts.” Additionally, governments, including the U.K., Germany, France, and notably Kenya, have raised concerns about privacy, security, and financial implications, with Kenya even suspending Worldcoin’s enrollment.Back in August, reports surfaced in Nigeria that Nairobi police, in collaboration with officials from various agencies, had conducted a raid on a Worldcoin warehouse in the capital city of Kenya.Similarly, the Argentine Agency for Access to Public Information (AAIP) has launched a probe into Worldcoin to determine the legality of its data collection practices within the South American nation.

More Articles

Price Analysis
$TRUMP Pumping Over 20% This Week: Presidential Memecoin Back for Good?
Arslan Butt
Arslan Butt
2025-02-15 15:26:50
Price Analysis
Study Predicts Bitcoin Surge to $1M by Early 2027: Is That Possible?
Arslan Butt
Arslan Butt
2025-02-15 14:45:43
Crypto News in numbers
editors
Authors List + 66 More
2M+
Active Monthly Users Around the World
250+
Guides and Reviews Articles
8
Years on the Market
70
International Team Authors