Sam Altman’s OpenAI Working on New Social Network With No Bots Allowed

Reports indicate that OpenAI is considering incorporating biometric identification into this social network. Users could be asked for "proof of personhood," or proof of their human identity. Apple's Face ID or World Orb could be used for this.

World Orb is a special kind of iris scanner used for creating a unique identity for every human based on the iris of the eye. This system is run through a company called Tools for Humanity, which was founded by Sam Altman.

Indeed, bot accounts have always been a significant problem for social media platforms. Bot accounts can be used to artificially inflate cryptocurrency prices, propagate hate content, or manipulate public opinion. This problem on Twitter, however, has been particularly pronounced since Elon Musk acquired the company, rebranded it to X, and terminated 80% of its staff. This weakened the trust and safety team. Although Musk initiated a crusade against bots, and 1.7 million bot accounts were terminated by 2025, it is not a problem that has gone away entirely.

Sam Altman himself has been an active user on X since 2008 and has repeatedly expressed his displeasure with bots. In September 2025, he wrote that Twitter and Reddit, filled with AI, no longer feel as real as they once did. More recently, he referred to the "Dead Internet Theory," noting that a large number of AI-run accounts are now visible on social media. Instagram chief Adam Mosseri also stated in December 2025 that social media feeds are gradually becoming filled with "synthetic content."

Platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn use phone numbers, email addresses, and behavioral signals for identity proofing, but they don't adopt biometric identification. OpenAI's approach may be different. However, privacy experts have expressed concerns about technology like World Orb, as iris scans cannot be altered and could pose a threat if they fall into the wrong hands.

It's currently unclear how OpenAI's social network will integrate with its existing products, but reports suggest it could allow users to create content such as videos and images using AI. A launch timeline is currently unclear, and it could undergo significant changes before public release.