Technology and Science02 April, 20261 min read
Google, Microsoft, AWS Join Coinbase's x402 Foundation Under Linux Foundation
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x402 protocol moves under Linux Foundation with Google, Microsoft, and AWS among backers. Initial governing body includes Cloudflare and Stripe among founders, joined by major tech backers.
Big Tech Backs Agentic AI Payments
Major tech and finance firms backed the x402 Foundation to govern and standardize the agentic AI payments protocol. The foundation was launched by the Linux Foundation with help from Coinbase, the creators of x402.
Other companies expressing initial intent include American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Cloudflare, Shopify, Stripe, Circle, Base, Polygon Labs, Solana Foundation, Thirdweb and KakaoPay. Jim Zemlin said the internet was built on open protocols, explaining the open-source structure.
AI Agents Could Outnumber Humans in Transactions
The move comes amid a belief that AI agents could become the dominant users of blockchain payments. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said there will be more AI agents transacting online than humans very soon.
Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao said crypto is the native currency for AI agents. x402 is an open payment standard for autonomous payments by AI agents.
Industry Coalition and Open Governance
The founding coalition includes over 20 major tech and finance firms. Coinbase originally launched x402 with backing from Cloudflare and Stripe.
The protocol aims to create a seamless payment layer across blockchain and fiat rails. The effort represents alignment among competitors like Visa and Mastercard.
Open-Source Infrastructure for AI Commerce
x402 under Linux Foundation aims to tackle interoperability challenges. The initiative aims to create community-governed, transparent development.
Coinbase's stock has been down significantly despite analyst bullishness. The launch of x402 as a neutral, open standard is a key step.
