Google’s digital mandates: how AI gained the right to spend users’ money

Google introduced the Agent Payments Protocol. An open protocol that for the first time allows artificial intelligence to make payments on behalf of users. While maintaining unprecedented security measures.

This development was created in collaboration with leading financial institutions. It represents a logical extension of existing Agent2Agent and Model Context Protocol standards. Forms a comprehensive ecosystem for safely delegating financial operations to AI.

The protocol’s foundation is the concept of «digital mandate.» A cryptographically protected permission that clearly defines the boundaries of AI agent authority. Available budget, permissible actions and execution conditions.

Users get 2 interaction modes. Synchronous – with real-time confirmation of each purchase. And asynchronous – for automatic task execution within set parameters. For example, ticket purchases when prices drop to a certain level.

The protocol supports a wide spectrum of payment instruments. From traditional bank cards to stable digital currencies.

Special attention is paid to transparency and trust. The entire chain of actions from mandate issuance to payment execution is carefully recorded. Creates irrefutable proof of operation legitimacy.