AI Agent Payment Infrastructure: The Development Direction of Cryptocurrency and Big Tech Companies
【Plain Language Introduction】As automation advances toward full autonomy, payment capability becomes the key for AI Agents to operate without human intervention. This article provides an in-depth comparison of two mainstream paths in 2026: the "approval-based" controlled model built on existing ecosystems by big tech companies (such as Google AP2), and the "decentralized" open protocol achieved through smart contracts in cryptocurrencies (such as ERC-8004 and x402). The former focuses on security and convenience, while the latter emphasizes sovereignty and interoperability. The competition between these two will determine the underlying architecture of future autonomous business models. For more details, please see:
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AI Agent Payment Infrastructure: The Development Direction of Cryptocurrency and Big Tech Companies
【Plain Language Introduction】As automation advances toward full autonomy, payment capability becomes the key for AI Agents to operate without human intervention.
This article provides an in-depth comparison of two mainstream paths in 2026: the "approval-based" controlled model built on existing ecosystems by big tech companies (such as Google AP2), and the "decentralized" open protocol achieved through smart contracts in cryptocurrencies (such as ERC-8004 and x402).
The former focuses on security and convenience, while the latter emphasizes sovereignty and interoperability. The competition between these two will determine the underlying architecture of future autonomous business models.
For more details, please see: