Block Brings Lightning Network Support to x402 Payments Protocol

The x402 Foundation has announced that Block, a US FinTech company, has joined its ranks and added Lightning Network support to the x402 protocol for payments initiated by AI agents.

Block's integration of Bitcoin payments via the Lightning Network into the x402 protocol is expected to enable instant, low-cost micropayments. The x402 protocol allows payments directly over HTTP, including automated transactions initiated by AI agents.

The Linux Foundation governs the development of the x402 standard, which isn't tied to a specific payment network or currency. Block plans to contribute to the development of x402 as core payment infrastructure for agentic commerce.

Steve Lee, head of Spiral, Block's division focused on developing the Bitcoin ecosystem, said AI agents could potentially make billions of small payments that require instant, low-cost, and open payment infrastructure.