Key facts
- Block has joined the x402 Foundation, an open payment standard for AI agents.
- Block integrated Bitcoin's Lightning Network into the x402 payment protocol.
- Block believes Lightning is suitable for the low-cost, high-volume payments required for agentic commerce.
- x402 enables AI agents and web services to autonomously pay for API access, data, and digital services.
- Block joins Google, Microsoft, AWS, Coinbase, and the Solana Foundation as backers of the x402 Foundation.
Block has joined the x402 Foundation, an initiative focused on creating an open payment standard for AI agents, and has integrated Bitcoin's Lightning Network into the protocol. This move signifies Block's expansion into providing payment solutions for AI agents and autonomous commerce.
According to Block, the Lightning Network is well-suited for the low-cost, high-volume transactions anticipated for agentic commerce. Steve Lee, head of Block’s Bitcoin development initiative Spiral, stated that the integration is a significant step towards making Bitcoin a practical currency for both individuals and the AI agents acting on their behalf.
The x402 standard, launched in April under the Linux Foundation, allows AI agents and web services to autonomously handle payments for services such as API access, data, and digital content. Block's participation in the x402 Foundation places it alongside major technology companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services, as well as crypto firms including Coinbase and the Solana Foundation.