Algorand Unveils AC2: A Secure Protocol for AI Agent Interactions
Algorand has launched AC2, an AI agent protocol designed to ensure that users maintain control over their private keys. The Algorand Foundation introduced the open protocol on August 25, which establishes a direct and end-to-end encrypted WebRTC connection between a user's wallet and an AI agent.
The AC2 protocol allows users to approve or reject requests from AI agents before they perform any actions that require signing operations, such as payments or API authorizations. This means that the private key never leaves the user's control.
The Algorand Foundation designed the protocol to support various agentic workflows, including coding, payment routing, and shopping mandates. The AC2 specification uses DIDComm v2.0 message formats, passkey authentication through Liquid Auth built on FIDO2 and WebAuthn, and supports real-time voice and text streaming.
The Algorand Foundation's chief strategy and marketing officer, Marc Vanlerberghe, said that the protocol grants AI agents authority without allowing them to act against a user's interests. He emphasized that users do not hand over their keys, but rather approve each use of them.