Visa is launching a Trusted Agent Protocol to protect merchants from fraudulent bots during transactions with AI agents. This protocol uses cryptographic signatures to verify trusted agents and secure transactions, allowing AI to make purchases on behalf of consumers. It aims to enhance confidence in the agentic commerce ecosystem.

Ashu Garg reviews last year's AI predictions and outlines new expectations for 2026. Key themes include the evolution of AI in enterprise settings, the rise of agent-based workflows, and increased security concerns as AI systems become more integrated into business processes.

Google has introduced the Agent Payments Protocol (AP2), an open protocol designed to facilitate secure agent-led payments across various platforms, addressing the unique challenges posed by AI agents in commerce. Developed in collaboration with over 60 organizations, AP2 establishes a payment-agnostic framework that enhances authorization, authenticity, and accountability for transactions initiated by AI agents, supporting diverse payment methods including cryptocurrencies. The protocol aims to create a unified and secure ecosystem for AI-driven commerce while inviting further collaboration from the industry.