Proof CEO on x401: KYC-compatible agent identity using NIST IAL2 verifiable credentials, composing with x402 payments
csuwildcat · x · 2026-10-16
Proof founder Pat Kinsel explains x401, an open framework for identifying AI agents without blocking them, inspired by HTTP 401. It uses IAL2-certified verifiable credentials to prove the underlying human's identity — the same NIST standard FinCEN guidance says banks can use in Customer Identification Programs. He also details how x401 composes with x402 payments: agent-to-agent services want streaming, transactional payment rather than enterprise contracts or volume commitments.
Related event: Proof's x401 Protocol Lets AI Agents Prove Identity and Authorization(3 posts)→
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