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Closing the Trust Gap in Agentic Commerce

Rachel Sterling 07.06.2026

Establishing Delegated Authority

As AI agents increasingly participate in commerce, the identity industry is shifting its focus to prove who these agents represent and what they are authorized to do. This growing challenge has major implications for the development of trust in autonomous commerce.

The identity industry is racing to keep pace with the rapid adoption of AI agents in commerce, which is set to revolutionize the way businesses interact with their customers. However, this new landscape also raises critical questions about the identity and authority of these AI agents. Who do they represent, and what are they allowed to do on behalf of their principals? These are the kinds of questions that the identity industry is now grappling with.

Mastercard and Prove, a leading identity verification company, are at the forefront of this effort. They are working together to develop a system that proves delegated authority for AI agents, ensuring that these agents are acting on behalf of their principals and not misusing their authority. This system is critical in establishing trust in autonomic commerce, where AI agents will be making decisions on behalf of their principals.

Can We Trust AI Agents?

According to Prove's CEO, „Delegated authority is a fundamental concept in identity verification. It's essential that we establish a clear understanding of who an AI agent represents and what they are authorized to do.”This is a critical step in building trust in autonomous commerce, where the consequences of misused authority could be severe.

As AI agents become increasingly prevalent in commerce, there are growing concerns about their ability to act on behalf of their principals. Can we trust these agents to make decisions that are in the best interests of their principals? The answer to this question will depend on the development of a robust system for verifying delegated authority.

The identity industry is working tirelessly to develop a system that can verify the identity and authority of AI agents. This is a complex task, requiring the development of new technologies and standards for identity verification. However, the stakes are high, and the consequences of failure could be severe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is delegated authority, and why is it important in autonomic commerce? A: Delegated authority refers to the ability of an AI agent to act on behalf of its principal. It's essential in establishing trust in autonomic commerce, where AI agents will be making decisions on behalf of their principals.

Q: How will the identity industry verify the identity and authority of AI agents? A: The identity industry is developing new technologies and standards for identity verification, including delegated authority. These systems will be critical in establishing trust in autonomous commerce.

Q: What are the consequences of misused authority in autonomic commerce? A: The consequences of misused authority in autonomic commerce could be severe, including financial losses and reputational damage. It's essential that the identity industry develops a robust system for verifying delegated authority to mitigate these risks.

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