Block Integrates Lightning Network into x402 Protocol for AI Agent Payments

Block has integrated Bitcoin Lightning Network into its x402 protocol for AI agent payments.

The integration, which was announced on September 24, allows AI agents to conduct automated payments using HTTP 402 payment requests.

x402 is an open payment framework that enables AI agents to process payments without manual checkout processes. The system leverages the HTTP 402 'Payment Required' status code and uses Bitcoin Lightning Network for low-cost and high-frequency transactions.

According to the x402 Foundation's dashboard, the platform processed 75.41 million transactions totaling $24.24 million in volume during the most recent 30-day window.