On September 16, Google launched the Agent Payments Protocol (AP2), aiming to standardize AI-driven purchase authorizations while providing banks and merchants with a reliable audit trail. As AI agents transition from chat interfaces to facilitating eCommerce, AP2 seeks to confirm that agent requests match user intent and document transaction approvals. Supported by over 60 companies, including American Express and PayPal, AP2 uses tamper-evident, cryptographically signed records that accompany each transaction, enhancing accountability.
The protocol is payment-agnostic, initially focusing on card networks but with plans for integration with crypto wallets via the x402 standard. Major players like Mastercard and Visa are also enhancing their services to support AI commerce, underscoring the need for a unified approach like AP2. Successful adoption relies on developer engagement, merchant economics, and regulatory acceptance, as the protocol shifts purchase validation from assumption to tangible, documented intent.
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