Visa has taken a groundbreaking step in securing the rapidly growing world of AI-driven commerce with the launch of its Trusted Agent Protocol on October 14, 2025.
This innovative framework aims to verify AI shopping bots, ensuring safe interactions between merchants and artificial intelligence agents as online shopping evolves.
The AI Shopping Boom: A staggering 4,700% Surge
Recent data highlights a 4,700% increase in AI-driven traffic to U.S. retail sites, underscoring the urgent need for secure protocols like Visa’s latest initiative.
The rise of agentic shopping, where AI bots make purchases on behalf of consumers, has transformed the e-commerce landscape, offering convenience but also posing new security risks.
Visa’s protocol addresses these challenges by creating a trusted ecosystem that reduces malicious bot activity and protects both merchants and shoppers.
A Historical Shift in Commerce Security
Historically, online shopping security has focused on protecting human transactions, but the advent of AI agents marks a paradigm shift in how payments are processed.
Visa, a leader in payment technology, builds on its legacy of innovation—dating back to the introduction of credit cards in the 1950s—to tackle this modern challenge.
The Trusted Agent Protocol is a continuation of Visa’s efforts to adapt to emerging technologies, following earlier AI integrations like fraud detection systems.
Impact on Merchants and Consumers
For merchants, this protocol promises to boost confidence in AI transactions, potentially increasing sales as 85% of shoppers report improved experiences with AI assistance.
Consumers, on the other hand, gain an added layer of security, knowing their AI agents are verified and less likely to be exploited by fraudsters.
Looking Ahead: The Future of AI Commerce
Looking to the future, Visa’s initiative could set a global standard for AI commerce, encouraging other payment giants to develop similar frameworks.
As AI shopping continues to grow, the Trusted Agent Protocol may pave the way for a safer, more personalized online shopping era, blending convenience with trust.
Maria Lourdes
