Google has unveiled a new protocol that allows artificial intelligence (AI) agents to make payments on behalf of users.
According to the information technology (IT) outlet TechCrunch on the 17th (local time), Google Cloud released the Agent Payment Protocol (AP2), which sets out basic rules related to AI-based payments, on the 16th. AP2 is a technology that enables the development of AI services with automatic payment and remittance functions, and is a common set of rules that allows AI to shop safely on behalf of people.
Developed with the participation of more than 60 financial institutions and others, the protocol enables AI agent-led secure payments on behalf of customers across multiple platforms. By extending existing payment frameworks, it supports a variety of payment methods, including not only credit and debit cards and real-time bank transfers, but also stablecoins.
Google said AP2 is designed to ensure authentication, delegated authority, and accountability when an AI agent makes a payment on behalf of a user. It is also designed to ensure interoperability among AI platforms, payment systems, and merchants, and to leave records that can be tracked for each transaction.
If a user asks a chatbot agent to prepare for a bicycle trip, an agent from a bicycle shop will immediately propose a time-limited bundle product. Also, if a user enters only the date, location, and budget for a weekend trip, the agent can interact with agents from airlines and hotels, as well as online travel agencies and booking platforms, to find combinations that fit the budget and then simultaneously execute cryptographically signed airline tickets and lodging reservations.
The protocol also allows fully automated payments in which AI proceeds directly to payment without additional user confirmation once it finds a product that meets the conditions. However, in this case, specific instructions such as price limits, purchase timing, and detailed rules are required, and records are kept so that verification is possible after payment.
Google and Google Cloud Vice Presidents Stav-An Parikh and Rao Surapaneni said, "We will advance this protocol through an open and collaborative process, including standards bodies," and added, "We invite the entire payments and technology communities to build this future together."