It’s time to build apps and security protocols for a new type of user: Autonomous agents

The rise of AI agents like ChatGPT Operator and coding tools such as Devin and Lovable is creating a need for businesses to design secure and efficient experiences specifically for autonomous agents interacting with their applications.

The new agent paradigm: AI agents are increasingly acting on behalf of users to navigate interfaces, make requests, and execute tasks, requiring a fundamental shift in how applications handle authentication and authorization.

• Applications must provide secure methods for agents to authenticate and act on users’ behalf
• Users need transparent control over agent permissions and the ability to revoke access
• Service providers require robust systems to verify agent authenticity and manage risk

OAuth as the foundation: The existing OAuth standard provides a battle-tested framework for secure, delegated access that applies perfectly to AI agent authentication.

• OAuth enables granular permission controls through scoped access tokens
• Users maintain control through explicit consent and revocation capabilities
• The standard supports both traditional and agent-specific authentication flows

Key principles of Agent Experience (AX): Creating effective agent experiences requires focusing on machine-optimized communication methods and security protocols.

• Clean, well-documented APIs are essential for agent interaction
• Streamlined onboarding processes benefit both users and agents
• Step-up authentication should be implemented for sensitive operations
• Frictionless agent operations maximize efficiency while maintaining security

Implementation considerations: Organizations need to adapt their infrastructure to support agent interactions effectively.

• Applications must become OAuth providers to participate in the agent ecosystem
• Permission scopes should be thoughtfully designed for different levels of access
• Token storage and rotation mechanisms need careful planning
• High-risk actions require additional user confirmation layers

Building an open ecosystem: Success in the age of AI agents depends on creating inclusive, accessible systems.

• Platforms should support integration with any user-selected agent
• Standard OAuth interfaces eliminate the need for custom code
• Well-structured APIs and documentation enable seamless agent adoption
• Open ecosystems are likely to outperform closed, proprietary solutions

Looking ahead: The shift toward agent-centric design represents a fundamental evolution in how applications handle authentication and user interaction, comparable to the historical impacts of UX and developer experience (DX).