Walmart and OpenAI have announced a collaboration to integrate ChatGPT into Walmart’s shopping experience. One of the key challenges in this initiative is the development of AI agents capable of securely completing transactions for users. As chat platforms like ChatGPT increasingly replace traditional browsers for information retrieval, users often find themselves directed to purchase items online. However, a significant barrier remains: AI agents do not yet possess the necessary trust infrastructure to ensure both consumers and financial institutions feel secure allowing them access to funds.
To address this issue, several competing standards for agentic commerce have emerged. Google has introduced the Agent Pay Protocol (AP2) in partnership with various financial entities including PayPal and Visa. OpenAI and Stripe have introduced the Agentic Commerce Protocol (ACP), while Visa has launched its own standard known as the Trusted Agent Protocol (TAP). These new protocols aim to establish the requisite trust layer, ensuring banks and customers understand their financial information is secure.
Despite this progress, the existence of multiple protocols raises questions about interoperability. Historically, industry standards take time to consolidate, and the current landscape shows the potential for fragmentation. Each protocol employs different methods for proving authorization, with TAP using a digital key system and AP2 relying on a digital contract for human approval. Meanwhile, ACP functions as an intermediary that simplifies the transaction process without necessitating significant changes to infrastructure.
The competitive nature of these protocols may lead to “walled gardens,” restricting functionality to specific platforms. As enterprises adopt these systems, they risk becoming locked into a single standard, complicating transactions across multiple storefronts. Experts caution that without a universally accepted standard, stakeholders might face confusion and inefficiencies.
To navigate this complex environment, businesses are encouraged to explore all available protocols in anticipation of potential consolidation of features. The rise of open-source initiatives could play a pivotal role in harmonizing these efforts. The ongoing developments in agentic commerce will be closely watched, especially as major retailers and chat platforms continue to explore their own solutions in this evolving domain.
Source: https://venturebeat.com/ai/google-vs-openai-vs-visa-competing-agent-protocols-threaten-the-future-of-ai