Proof Launches x401 AI Agent Protocol
Analysis based on 6 articles · First reported Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
The launch of x401 by Proof, with contributions from major tech companies like Circle, OpenAI, Alphabet Inc., and Okta, is a significant step towards building trust and security in the emerging 'agentic internet.' This protocol aims to standardize how AI agents prove human authorization for actions like payments and contract signing, which could accelerate the adoption of AI agents in various industries. For Proof, this establishes its leadership in identity authorization for AI. For other contributors like Circle, it enhances their offerings by integrating identity verification with payment solutions, potentially increasing their market share in agentic transactions.
Proof, an identity authorization company, launched x401, an open, issuer-neutral protocol designed to verify the human authority behind AI agent actions. This protocol allows websites and APIs to request and verify identity, age, membership, or organizational affiliation from AI agents using cryptographically signed Verifiable Credentials. x401 is designed to complement existing protocols like x402 for payments, enabling full agentic transactions with both identity and payment verification. Proof also launched its Digital ID product, the first live implementation of x401, which uses zero-knowledge proofs for selective disclosure of identity information. The protocol was developed with technical contributions from Circle, OpenAI, Alphabet Inc., and Okta, and Proof plans to submit it to the Aero Alliance for broader industry adoption. This initiative addresses the critical need for trust and authorization as AI agents become more autonomous in financial and other online activities.
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