Vint Cerf, one of the foundational figures behind the modern internet, is turning his attention to the next big web challenge: AI agents. According to TechCrunch, Cerf is working on a plan for a standard that would help identify AI agents operating across the open internet.
Why agent identity matters
As AI agents become more capable of browsing, communicating, making requests, and completing tasks on behalf of people or organizations, the internet will need reliable ways to know who—or what—is acting. A common identity standard could make it easier to verify legitimate agents, prevent impersonation, and create clearer accountability when automated systems interact online.
This is a positive step toward making AI agents more useful in real-world settings. Instead of limiting agents to closed ecosystems, identity infrastructure could help them operate safely across websites, services, and platforms while giving users and organizations more confidence in automated interactions.
A foundation for the agentic web
While the effort appears to be at an early stage, Cerf’s involvement is notable given his role in creating the protocols that helped the internet scale globally. If successful, a widely adopted AI agent identification standard could become a key building block for a more trustworthy, interoperable, and productive AI-powered internet.