Google's purchasing protocol for AI agents

The Rundown: With support from more than 60 tech and financial behemoths, Google recently unveiled the Agent Payments Protocol, a new open architecture that allows AI agents to safely make purchases on a user's behalf. The specifics: Before an agent completes a transaction, AP2 generates safe digital contracts known as "mandates" that confirm user authorization. Users must sign a "Cart Mandate" to finish a payment and a "Intent Mandate" to conduct a search in order to make real-time purchases. The framework works with Coinbase and other cryptocurrency companies to support stablecoins, bank transfers, and conventional cards. American Express, Mastercard, PayPal, Salesforce, and Intuit are among the major backers; the technical specifications are publicly available on GitHub. Why it matters: Having safe, reliable payment rails is essential for a mainstream transition as we approach the time when AI agents become self-sufficient shoppers. With some businesses already on board to boost adoption, Google's protocol helps close the responsibility gap that arises when AI handles user funds.