Google recently announced the launch of a new artificial intelligence shopping payment protocol called the Agent Payments Protocol (AP2). This protocol aims to allow AI agents to conduct shopping transactions on behalf of users according to their instructions, without requiring manual approval for each purchase. At the same time, Google emphasized that the protocol includes multiple security measures, striving to protect users' financial security and prevent potential fraud.

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According to Google's introduction, users can use AI agents to create shopping lists, communicate with merchants, and complete payments smoothly. For example, a music lover can instruct an AI agent to purchase tickets at midnight while sleeping. The agent will buy the required number of tickets within the set price range, saving users time and effort.

The AP2 protocol also provides a traceable audit mechanism. Merchants and payment processors can use this mechanism to confirm the authenticity of transactions. Users can set an "Intent Mandate" when shopping, clearly specifying the items they want to buy and their budget. When a transaction occurs while the user is online, the user can manually approve the transaction; when the user is offline, the agent can rely on the previously set intent mandate to generate a cart mandate (Cart Mandate), enabling automatic purchasing.

Google stated in its official blog: "From the user's intention to the shopping cart, and finally to the payment, this entire process forms an irrefutable audit chain, providing effective authorization and real assurance for the user's payment."

As an open protocol, AP2 can be integrated with Google's existing agent-to-agent data sharing system (Agent2Agent, A2A) and other secure communication protocols. This is also a significant step taken by Google in recent years to promote secure communication in AI systems. Currently, more than 60 companies have partnered with Google, including well-known financial service companies such as Mastercard, PayPal, and American Express. At the same time, technology companies such as Salesforce, Red Hat, Adobe, Intuit, and Cloudflare have also joined this initiative.

In addition, the AP2 protocol supports cryptocurrency payments through the x402 protocol, allowing users to conduct transactions using digital currencies. Companies such as Coinbase, Metamask, and the Ethereum Foundation have already joined this protocol. Erik Reppel, Engineering Director at Coinbase, stated that the combination of x402 and AP2 will make payments between agents a reality, providing developers with a new platform for experimentation.

Although this system has received support from many well-known companies, security remains one of the most concerning issues for users. Fraudulent activities in online transactions occur frequently, so users expect Google to ensure the effectiveness of its security mechanisms to prevent future AI-related security issues.

Key Points:   

🛍️ Google launched the agent payment protocol (AP2), allowing AI to shop on behalf of users.   

🔐 AP2 has multiple security mechanisms to protect users' financial safety.   

🤝 Over 60 companies have participated, including well-known companies such as Mastercard, PayPal, and Coinbase.