Coinbase launches x402 protocol! Allow websites to directly receive stablecoins, support AI automatic payment, search for information and purchase computing power

AI is not just for chatting; now it can even "pay by itself"! On 5/7, the US exchange Coinbase announced the launch of a new payment protocol x402, allowing AI agents to independently complete payments, find information, and buy computing power. This protocol is not only aimed at AI applications but may also change the future internet's charging logic and developers' business models.

What is the x402 Protocol

x402 allows websites or software to "directly receive stablecoins over the internet", and AI agents can automatically complete these transactions, without human intervention.

• Built on the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP)

• Reactivating the previously forgotten "HTTP 402 – Payment Required" status code

• Supports real-time stablecoin payments (USDC)

• Supports automatic API billing, AI authorization, micropayments, and other functions

Time and Collaboration Background: Officially Released on May 6

• Coinbase positions x402 as a "network charging mechanism redesigned for the AI era"

• The protocol is launched in collaboration with Coinbase, AWS, Circle, Anthropic, NEAR Protocol, and others

• Supports developers, applications, and AI agents in receiving and making payments with minimal code

Background Concept: Solving the "Initial Internet Mistake"

Coinbase Engineering Director Erik Reppel stated:

"We are not solving a payment problem, but addressing the design error of the internet not having a built-in economic system from the beginning."

Traditional payment methods like credit cards, subscriptions, API keys, and monthly fee platforms all come from the era "before the internet", which are slow, expensive, restrictive, and require numerous manual steps.

AI Agent's Major Breakthrough: From Tool to "Economic Entity"

Traditional AI tools require human input of credit cards, API top-ups, and manual permission settings. But with x402, AI can do these things on its own:

This gives AI true "economic autonomy", making it not just a tool, but an AI software that can independently decide and transact.

Applications for Developers and Content Creators

Beyond AI, this protocol significantly changes the "charging model":

• API developers can set automatic charges based on usage, moving away from subscription models

• Software companies can offer "one-time unlocking" and "segmented billing" and other flexible charging mechanisms

• Content creators can directly receive micropayments without going through YouTube, Spotify, or credit card thresholds