Coinbase x402 payments protocol to make AI agents more autonomous
Coinbase has launched a new payments protocol called x402 for stablecoin transfers over the internet using HTTP. This protocol allows APIs, apps, and AI agents to transact seamlessly, aiming to create a faster, automated internet economy. x402 revives the HTTP 402 "Payment Required" status code to facilitate direct stablecoin payments, addressing limitations of traditional payment methods like credit cards and bank transfers. The protocol requires minimal code integration and is designed for both human and AI transactions. It enables AI agents to operate autonomously, accessing resources and making payments in real-time without human intervention. Developers can monetize APIs and services dynamically, while content creators can monetize without traditional payment barriers. Coinbase partnered with AWS, Circle, Anthropic, and Near Protocol for this initiative.
