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Cloudflare integrates x402 payments standard to enable crypto for AI agents

Cloudflare’s monetization program, announced with Coinbase, is built on x402, which supports crypto payments for AI agents, with Bitcoin on-chain and potential Lightning Network integration noted.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Market Structure

Cloudflare said it has launched a monetization program built on the Coinbase-led x402 machine payments standard, positioning crypto payments as a way for AI agents to pay for data on the open web. Bitcoin Magazine reports that x402 is designed to let AI agents purchase data directly online, as the protocol helps unlock more capable agent interactions with web content.

The outlet says Cloudflare’s integration matters because the company now powers roughly 20-23% of all websites globally and processes tens of millions of HTTP requests per second across more than 330 cities in over 100 countries. With that footprint, the integration aims to provide a pathway for websites facing mounting AI data demand to sell access to AI agents using crypto.

According to Bitcoin Magazine, Cloudflare’s implementation mentions stablecoins such as USDC and the Open USD standard, while the protocol also supports Bitcoin on-chain and is actively exploring Lightning Network integration. The report also highlights that x402 is intended to address friction in how AI currently accesses web services.

Bitcoin Magazine notes that Kevin Leffew, co-author of the x402 protocol and AI GTM at Coinbase, said the current model requires an API key that, in practice, requires a human, adding unnecessary friction. Leffew said the goal is to eliminate the need for API keys, and the report points to popular AI agents that currently rely on API access keys for paid web search services.

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