The Future of Online Payments: How x402 Will Revolutionize the Digital Economy
In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, Funs Jacobs discusses the emergence of the x402 payment protocol and its potential to revolutionize the internet. Jacobs explores how the historical absence of a native payment system in the web, termed 'the original sin of the internet,' led to the dominance of ad-based models and subscription services. With x402, agents can now make microtransactions directly within HTTP requests, enabling new business models and more honest economic exchanges. Jacobs outlines how this innovation will impact AI agents, digital services, and consumer behavior, emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt to this new paradigm. The episode concludes with a call to action for companies to start integrating per-use-value models and leveraging x402 to shape the future of the internet.
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
01:09 The Rise of AI Agents and Predictions
02:10 The Original Sin of the Internet
05:12 The Return of HTTP 402 and x402 Protocol
08:37 How x402 Transforms AI Agent Capabilities
12:44 Rethinking Business Models in an x402 World
15:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
About Band of Insiders
Band of Insiders is a future forward platform and community for curious marketers, brand leaders, and founders who want to stay ahead of the curve. We explore the cultural and technological shifts shaping business—from AI to blockchain, gaming to Gen Z behavior—and what they really mean for you.
Hosted by Funs Jacobs: Dutch innovation strategist with 10+ years of experience in advertising, music, sports, and tech. Now based in Bali, Funs helps brands around the world spot what’s next and act on it, fast.
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