The Impact of Emerging AI Agents on Global Structural Changes

The launch of the x402 Foundation, involving major tech players like Google, Microsoft, and Kakao Pay, marks a significant shift in the global payment landscape towards machine-to-machine (M2M) payments. This new framework, driven by AI agents, operates with a three-layer structure—authorization, transaction creation, and payment execution—allowing for ultra-small and high-frequency transactions without human intervention. However, this innovation raises concerns regarding compliance with the Electronic Financial Transactions Act, which is based on human oversight. Legal experts from Yulchon Digital Asset Center note challenges in attributing responsibility for errors made by AI agents, as they lack independent legal status. Furthermore, adapting anti-money laundering regulations and ensuring sufficient stablecoin infrastructure is vital. To mitigate potential risks, the industry must implement robust log retention strategies, enabling accountability and legal defense in disputes. Transitioning from business-centric to function-oriented regulations will be essential to navigate this evolving financial environment effectively.

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