机器之心·2025-09-17 09:37Core Viewpoint - Google has launched the Agent Payments Protocol (AP2), an open shared protocol designed to facilitate secure and compliant transactions between agents and merchants, providing a common language for these interactions [2][10]. Summary by Sections Introduction of AP2 - AP2 serves as an extension of the A2A and MCP protocols, enhancing the capabilities of AI agents in processing payments across platforms [5][7]. - The protocol addresses the need for intelligent interactions among multiple agents, moving beyond manual operations to a more automated and integrated approach [6]. Key Issues Addressed by AP2 - AP2 focuses on three main issues: authorization, authenticity, and accountability in transactions initiated by agents [9]. - It aims to ensure that transactions are secure and that users' intentions are accurately represented, while also establishing clear accountability in case of fraud or errors [8][10]. Operational Mechanism - The protocol utilizes mandates (authorization documents) to build trust, which are tamper-proof, encrypted digital contracts serving as verifiable proof of user instructions [12]. - These mandates create an audit trail from user intent to payment, addressing key concerns of authorization and authenticity [13]. Practical Applications - AP2 enables a new business model in the AI era, allowing agents to interact with various service providers seamlessly. For example, a user can instruct an agent to book travel arrangements within a specified budget, and the agent can execute transactions across multiple platforms [14]. - Google has partnered with over 60 companies, including major players like American Express, Alibaba, and PayPal, to implement this protocol [14]. Technical Implementation - The project is publicly available on GitHub, including technical specifications and reference implementations, facilitating broader adoption and integration [15][24]. - The protocol supports various payment types, ensuring a consistent and secure experience for users and merchants alike [10].