Proof introduces x401 protocol to verify AI agent transactions
Proof, a Boston-based identity verification company, has launched x401, a protocol built on HTTP’s 401 error code to verify AI agents’ identities and transaction approvals. The move aims to address concerns from retailers like Amazon and banks such as JPMorgan, which have blocked AI agents—including Meta’s Muse—due to inability to confirm who authorizes payments or if users approved…
Key points
- Proof’s **x401** protocol uses HTTP’s 401 error code to verify AI agent identities and transaction approvals via biometrics
- Amazon blocked Meta’s **Muse** agent in September for lack of notification and agent identification, despite Meta’s claims of user approval
- JPMorgan prohibits external agents from accessing customer accounts, citing risks like liability transfer and rogue agents
The x402 payment protocol, developed by Coinbase and overseen by the Linux Foundation, already enables agents to pay with stablecoins via HTTP’s 402 error code. However, it lacks identity verification. Proof’s x401 requires users to authenticate via government-issued IDs and biometrics (fingerprint or facial scan) before approving transactions, invalidating any unauthorized changes. Superfluid was the first to adopt the service in September. While x401 doesn’t specify a blockchain or stablecoin, its adoption could influence major retailers and banks to relax restrictions, potentially expanding AI agent use beyond sites like Shopify, which already supports Meta’s agent for purchases. As of October 15, crypto markets showed no reaction, with XRP trading at $1.31 (down 4.6% in 24 hours) and Bitcoin down 2.9%—reflecting limited direct impact on token prices.
Model page: Muse →
AI Agents Can Already Pay in Crypto. Can a Website Tell Who They’re Working For?
247wallst.com · 14 October 2026
Loading the full article…
This text was published by 247wallst.com and written by Sam Daodu. It is reproduced here with attribution so you can read it in full; the rights remain with the publisher. Read it at the source ↗
The headline, key points and digest above were generated by Digest AI's editorial model from the linked sources. Automated summaries can contain errors: the sources are the record. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Published by Martin K., who runs Digest AI and handles corrections.
More in Agents & Tools
All →- AWS outlines Trust in Depth for safer AI agent autonomy · 1 src
- Microsoft readies Windows for Nvidia RTX Spark laptops with agent start-up · 1 src
- Meta's Muse AI permits explicit adult conversations, unlike other Meta apps · 3 src
- Meta rebrands Llama Stack to OGX as open-source agentic API server · 1 src
- MacPaw launches Eney: an on-device assistant that asks before acting · 1 src
Comments
via GitHub Discussions