1. Akamai partners with Visa to enhance security in agentic commerce. 2. Collaboration focuses on identity and authentication for AI-driven transactions. 3. AI bot traffic surged 300%, increasing need for secure identification methods. 4. Trusted Agent Protocol ensures agents are authenticated during transactions. 5. Akamai supports nine of the top ten global retailers for digital commerce.
FAQ
Why Bullish?
The collaboration with Visa positions Akamai as a leader in secure AI commerce. Growth in AI commerce could enhance Akamai's market share, similar to past technology integrations boosting revenue.
How important is it?
The strategic nature of the collaboration addresses a growing market need, directly impacting Akamai's relevance. The emphasis on security aligns well with market trends, increasing the likelihood of a favorable market response.
Why Long Term?
As agentic commerce evolves, ongoing demand for Akamai's services is expected. Past partnerships have consistently provided long-term revenue growth for Akamai.
Akamai and Visa Forge Strategic Partnership to Enhance Agentic Commerce Security
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Dec. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Akamai Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: AKAM), a leader in cybersecurity and cloud computing, has announced a strategic collaboration with Visa Inc. (NYSE: V). This partnership aims to bolster identity verification and security controls in the rapidly evolving landscape of agentic commerce. By integrating Visa’s Trusted Agent Protocol with Akamai’s innovative edge-based behavioral intelligence, the two companies will provide essential tools for merchants to welcome AI agents into their digital platforms safely.
The Rise of Agentic Commerce
As autonomous AI agents increasingly engage in online shopping, merchants face new challenges in identifying and authenticating this automated traffic. It is imperative for businesses to differentiate between genuine AI activity and potential threats. Without a solid trust framework, merchants risk compromising essential elements like personalization, security, and customer relationships.
Benefits of the Trusted Agent Protocol
The integration of the Trusted Agent Protocol with Akamai's capabilities offers merchants real-time insights into AI agent behaviors before they access sensitive systems. This collaborative approach enables merchants to:
- Identify Legitimate AI Agents: Differentiate between browsing and purchasing activities of agents while leveraging Akamai's real-time behavioral intelligence to detect anomalies.
- Link Agents to Users: Connect verified AI agents to the underlying consumers through detailed information shared via the Trusted Agent Protocol.
- Facilitate Secure Transactions: Guide AI agents in providing payment information according to merchant expectations, reinforced by Akamai’s comprehensive fraud protection measures.
Implications for Merchants
Patrick Sullivan, Chief Technology Officer of Security Strategy at Akamai Technologies, emphasized that the future of agentic commerce is dependent on the ability to trust agents acting on behalf of consumers. He stated, “By combining Visa's Trusted Agent Protocol with Akamai's deep user recognition and threat intelligence, we’re solving the dual-identity challenge crucial to AI commerce.”
Jack Forestell, Visa's Chief Product & Strategy Officer, added, “Agentic commerce is unlocking a new wave of digital interactions, but scalability necessitates trust among all players in the ecosystem.” Through this partnership, Akamai and Visa strive to provide the crucial intelligence needed for merchants to confidently engage AI-driven experiences.
The Growing Need for Fraud Protection
According to Akamai's 2025 Digital Fraud and Abuse Report, AI bot traffic has surged by 300% in the past year, with over 25 billion AI bot requests recorded in just a two-month span. As traffic generated by AI agents increases, the demand for reliable identity verification intensifies.
Conclusion: A New Era of Digital Commerce
Akamai’s collaboration with Visa aims to enable merchants to adopt agentic commerce seamlessly, thereby enhancing security without compromising user experience. With the Trusted Agent Protocol implemented across Akamai Cloud, merchants can maintain operational agility in an increasingly automated commerce environment.
About Akamai Technologies
Akamai is a premier provider of cybersecurity and cloud computing solutions, dedicated to powering and protecting businesses online. Our market-leading security measures and threat intelligence ensure comprehensive protection for enterprises worldwide. Learn more at akamai.com.
About Visa Inc.
Visa (NYSE: V) is a global leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions across over 200 countries and territories. Committed to connecting the world through a secure and innovative payment network, Visa plays a crucial role in driving economic growth. More information is available at visa.com.
Media Contacts
Visa: Conor Febos - febos@visa.com
Akamai Media Relations: akamaipr@akamai.com
Akamai Investor Relations: invrel@akamai.com