Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential integration of AI in financial transactions, particularly focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by traditional payment systems and the suitability of cryptocurrency for AI-driven payments [1][3]. Group 1: Challenges of Traditional Payment Systems - Traditional payment systems are not designed to accommodate AI, leading to issues such as compliance, security, and transaction speed [2][4]. - The current payment industry standards, such as PCI DSS, impose strict requirements on the handling of cardholder data, making it difficult for AI to interact with traditional payment methods [5][6]. - The experience and risk management in traditional payments are structured to counteract automated systems, which does not align with the needs of AI-driven transactions [6]. Group 2: Advantages of Cryptocurrency for AI Payments - Cryptocurrency can facilitate immediate payment and delivery (DvP), aligning well with the operational model of AI services, where payment is made for specific outputs [7]. - The concept of tokenization in cryptocurrency allows for a direct correlation between AI tokens and crypto tokens, enabling precise billing and microtransactions that are challenging to implement in fiat systems [7][8]. - The separation of transaction construction and signing can enhance security, allowing AI to identify payment scenarios without compromising sensitive data [10][11]. Group 3: Future Payment Relationships - Payment relationships can be categorized into three types: human-to-machine, machine-to-human, and machine-to-machine, with the latter being more naturally suited to a digital economy [8][9]. - Scenarios such as automated payments for services or rewards between AI agents illustrate the potential for a decentralized payment ecosystem [9]. - The integration of AI and cryptocurrency could lead to a more efficient and secure payment infrastructure, reducing reliance on centralized systems [13]. Group 4: Legal and Identity Considerations - For AI agents to operate independently in financial transactions, they must utilize cryptocurrency, which grants them a form of digital identity and civil capacity [14][15]. - The legal framework of "code is law" can establish binding agreements through smart contracts, ensuring that AI actions are recognized as legitimate transactions [15][16]. Group 5: Technical and Compliance Challenges - The article emphasizes the need for robust technical and compliance frameworks to ensure that AI's payment capabilities are reliable and accountable [17]. - The integration of signature and rule layers is crucial to mitigate the uncertainties associated with AI reasoning in critical financial operations [17].