- x402 Foundation launched: Linux Foundation takes over governance of the x402 protocol originally developed by Coinbase for web-native payments.
- Key backers: Founding participants include Google, Stripe, Visa, Mastercard, Shopify, Cloudflare, Solana Foundation, Base and others.
- Purpose: Enables AI agents, APIs and apps to transact value seamlessly via the revived HTTP 402 “Payment Required” status code.
- Adoption metrics: Solana already accounts for nearly 65% of x402 transaction volume in 2025, with stablecoin pay-per-request models gaining traction.
- Industry shift: Moves the protocol to vendor-neutral, community-driven open-source governance to accelerate interoperable agentic commerce.
The Linux Foundation has officially launched the x402 Foundation, assuming stewardship of Coinbase’s open payments protocol designed to embed value transfers directly into standard web and API interactions.
Announced April 2, 2026, the new foundation migrates the x402 protocol—originally created by Coinbase—to a neutral, open-source home under Linux Foundation governance. The protocol revives the long-dormant HTTP 402 “Payment Required” status code, allowing websites, APIs and AI agents to request and process payments without interrupting user flows.
In its official press release, the Linux Foundation emphasized that the x402 Foundation will ensure “transparency, interoperability, and broad participation across the ecosystem.” Founding participants include Google, Stripe, Visa, Mastercard, Shopify, Cloudflare, Solana Foundation, Base and additional contributors such as PayPal, Ethereum Foundation, Ripple and OKX.
Decrypt reported that the foundation’s primary goal is to support “agentic commerce,” where AI agents autonomously buy, sell and transact on behalf of users using open, stablecoin-based rails. Solana has emerged as an early leader, driving nearly 65% of x402 transaction volume in 2025.
Linux Foundation Executive Director Jim Zemlin stated: “The internet was built on open protocols. The x402 Foundation will create an open, community-governed home to develop these capabilities in the open.” Coinbase’s head of engineering for its developer platform, Erik Reppel, added that both Coinbase and Base will participate in governance to guide the protocol’s future.
The move comes as AI agents increasingly require reliable, permissionless payment infrastructure. Google Cloud’s James Tromans noted the need for “cloud infrastructure that is as open as the protocols it supports,” while Solana Foundation’s Rishin Sharma highlighted growing developer and merchant interest in pay-per-request models.
By shifting to Linux Foundation oversight, x402 aims to reduce concerns around vendor control and accelerate adoption across traditional web, blockchain and AI ecosystems. The foundation will focus on maintaining interoperability, supporting developers and ensuring the standard evolves with broad industry input.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice of any kind. Readers should conduct their own research before making any decisions.
© Cryptopress. For informational purposes only, not offered as advice of any kind.
