Understand how AI is transforming online shopping with security

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing online commerce, enabling digital assistants to make purchases on behalf of users. Companies like OpenAI and Google have developed protocols that allow these AIs to perform tasks that only humans could previously do, such as processing payments and completing purchases.

This shift promises to make shopping more efficient but also raises questions about security and accountability. The future of commerce with AI seems imminent, especially with forecasts that millions of consumers will use this technology by the end of 2026.

The new era of digital commerce

Recently, technology companies announced new features for virtual assistants. The "Agentic Commerce Protocol" (ACP), for instance, allows ChatGPT to make purchases directly, while Google's "Universal Commerce Protocol" (UCP) enables payments via Google Pay. These innovations are already being tested by users in the U.S. and are expected to expand globally.

Data supporting the change

Recent statistics show a growing adoption of this technology:

• 700 million users use ChatGPT weekly, with many searching for products;
• 47% of American consumers use AI tools to facilitate shopping, according to a survey by Visa;
• Morgan Stanley predicts that nearly 50% of online shoppers will use AI assistants by 2030;
• Visa projects that millions of consumers will use AI for shopping during the 2026 holiday season.

These data demonstrate that the adoption of these tools is an expanding trend in consumer society.

Security considerations

Despite the advantages, questions arise about delegating shopping to AIs. The risk of errors and fraud is a worrying topic. Who is responsible for an error in the purchasing process? This is still a question without a clear answer in the market.

Merchants face the challenge of distinguishing between legitimate AI actions and automated fraud attempts by malicious bots. It is crucial to establish mechanisms that ensure security in digital payments.

Initiatives in pursuit of protection

To foster trust among users and AI systems, companies like Visa and Mastercard are developing security protocols. The "Trusted Agent Protocol" (TAP) is being tested to help merchants identify legitimate AI agents, while Mastercard proposes standardization for user authentication and permissions.

The future of agentic commerce

Agentic commerce is not a distant trend; it is already in development. What is expected is that competition between OpenAI, Google, and major financial companies will define which AI assistant will become the standard for online shopping.

Consumers should be vigilant when using these new technologies. Assessing the permissions granted and setting limits are essential steps to ensure financial security. Ultimately, the decision to trust your money to an AI should be made consciously and informed.

The future of commerce is here, and along with it come new possibilities and responsibilities. Be prepared for the changes to come.