a16z: Autonomous AI Agents Commerce May End Internet Advertising Model

DeepFlowTech · 2026-03-23T04:53:34+00:00

a16z Crypto points out that AI agents could disrupt the existing internet advertising model, emphasizing that large language models are not subject to traditional advertising interference, driving new business models. Open protocols in the future will enable AI to independently integrate with merchants, enhancing user experience.

DeepFlowTech

2026-03-23 04:53:34

Abstract generation in progress

Deep Tide TechFlow News, March 23 — According to Cointelegraph, a16z Crypto stated that AI-driven autonomous intelligent agents could disrupt the current internet advertising economy.

Sam Ragsdale, co-founder of Merit Systems, wrote on the a16z Crypto blog that from 1997 to 2024, the core of internet business models has been “attention diversion” — monetizing by capturing a portion of users’ attention through advertising. However, large language models (LLMs) and AI intelligent agents are not affected by ads, and this foundational logic is no longer valid. According to Mordor Intelligence, the global online advertising market is expected to reach approximately $291 billion in 2025, primarily dominated by Google.

Ragsdale pointed out that AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini have introduced “instant checkout” features, allowing users to complete purchases directly within conversations. However, these services are still essentially “closed ecosystems,” requiring strict vetting for merchants to join. He believes the real solution lies in AI intelligent agents equipped with open protocols, enabling them to autonomously discover and access any merchant. The article mentions that the x402 protocol developed by Coinbase, along with the machine payment protocol (MPP) jointly launched by Tempo and Stripe, could form the infrastructure for this new business model.

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