Tether Expands Into AI to Broaden Its Tech Reach and Boost Bitcoin, USDT Payments

Tether is set to unveil Tether AI, an ambitious artificial intelligence platform that will integrate cryptocurrency payments, including USDT and Bitcoin. https://tether.io/data/

CEO Paolo Ardoino teased the upcoming launch on X (formerly known as Twitter) on 5 May, highlighting Tether AI's potential to provide "personal infinite intelligence."

This marks a major step in Tether’s ongoing exploration of AI, a move that has sparked excitement in the crypto community.

The platform will support direct transactions through a decentralised peer-to-peer (P2P) network, allowing users to make seamless payments using major cryptocurrencies.

Building on a December 2024 announcement, Tether aims for a full launch by the end of Q1 2025.

Tether AI will be an open-source platform, designed to function without relying on centralised systems or API keys, offering a flexible and resilient AI runtime.

Its modular design ensures the platform can adapt to a variety of use cases over time, enabling it to evolve on any hardware or device.

This approach reflects Tether's vision of a decentralised, continuously adaptable AI system that can integrate into a wide range of environments.

P2P Crypto Payments Made Easy with WDK

A key highlight of Tether AI is its integration with Tether’s Wallet Development Kit (WDK), which streamlines crypto payments by supporting USDT and Bitcoin transactions.

Released in 2024, the WDK empowers developers to create non-custodial crypto wallets that securely store BTC and USDT across various platforms.

This addition allows Tether AI to facilitate seamless, decentralised transactions.

Beyond payments, Tether AI is also rolling out a suite of AI-powered applications, including a voice assistant, translation tool, and Bitcoin wallet assistant.

These applications are designed to run directly on local devices, reinforcing privacy and data security while eliminating reliance on centralised systems.

By offering self-custodial wallet solutions, Tether AI ensures that users maintain full control over their assets, without the need for third-party custodians to manage or process transactions.

Tether Expands Efforts in the AI Space

Tether AI is a key element of the company’s broader strategy to expand its presence in AI.

In April 2024, Tether restructured its operations, launching new divisions beyond its core stablecoin focus, with the creation of Tether Data, a dedicated unit focused on AI and P2P technologies.

Earlier in February, Ardoino announced that Tether’s AI division was working on a range of applications, including AI Translate, AI Voice Assistant, and AI Bitcoin Wallet Assistant.

Ardoino emphasized that the central mission of Tether AI is to provide the "ideal technological foundation" to realise a vision of AI inspired by science fiction legend Isaac Asimov, best known for works like I, Robot and The Robot Series.

Ardoino said in another X post, written in Italian:

“AI will, in the coming decades, become part of the very fabric of the universe.”

While Tether’s expansion into AI raises questions, particularly given its timing amidst growing regulatory scrutiny on stablecoins, the move is not likely driven by concerns over potential regulation.

Though many predict that Tether’s USDT could face challenges with stablecoin regulations, the company has focused its efforts on emerging markets, mitigating regulatory risks.

This strategy has contributed to Tether’s continued growth, with USDT’s market cap recently reaching a new high of $149.98 billion, despite its delisting from several exchanges in Europe.

In parallel, Tether has positioned itself as a key player in strengthening US Dollar dominance, a strategy likely to shield it from adverse US regulations.

Tether’s push into AI, while ambitious, serves as a strategic diversification of its business.

By investing in one of the tech world’s fastest-growing sectors, the company aims to create new value, secure a foothold in emerging technologies, and reinforce its standing as an innovation leader in the digital economy.