Block Brings Lightning Payments to AI Agents via x402 Foundation

Block has teamed up with the x402 Foundation to bring Bitcoin Lightning payments to AI agents. This move allows software programs, or AI agents, to send payments over the Lightning Network for API access, data, and digital services.

The x402 payment protocol is an open standard that enables AI agents to pay for things on their own without human approval. The x402 Foundation, launched in April under the Linux Foundation, has gained support from major tech companies including Google, Microsoft, Amazon Web Services, Coinbase, and the Solana Foundation.

Block's addition of Bitcoin Lightning support is a key step towards making AI-driven commerce a reality. According to Block, the low-cost, high-volume transactions enabled by Lightning suit the needs of agentic commerce. Steve Lee, leading Block's Bitcoin development initiative Spiral, said 'Bringing Lightning to x402 is a concrete step toward making Bitcoin everyday money for people and the agents acting on their behalf.'