Akamai Technologies (NASDAQ: AKAM) announced a security framework designed to verify and manage AI agents conducting digital transactions and commerce activities.

The framework includes six components: verified identity through partnerships with Visa, Skyfire, and Experian; user authentication via Auth0 and Ping Identity integrations; adaptive trust analysis; edge-based enforcement; content monetization capabilities; and traffic analysis tools.

The company is working with Visa on the Trusted Agent Protocol to authenticate AI agents for payment transactions. Akamai also collaborates with Skyfire and Experian on a "Know Your Agent" protocol that links AI agents to authorized human users.

"Without trusted identity and explicit permissioning, AI agents cannot participate in commerce at scale," said Rubail Birwadker, SVP at Visa. The protocol defines how agents are authenticated and authorized at the transaction level.

The framework processes security decisions through Akamai's edge network to maintain performance while validating automated requests. Through partnerships with TollBit and Skyfire, the system enables content owners to establish payment models for AI agent access to their data.

"AI agents are replacing clicks, acting and handling commerce for us," said Patrick Sullivan, VP and CTO of Security Strategy at Akamai. The framework allows businesses to verify agent identity and intent in real-time.

The system provides analytics to distinguish between human users, AI agents, and malicious bots, allowing organizations to manage different types of web traffic according to the company's statement.