New Ethereum Standard Could Redefine How AI Agents Identify and Trust Each Other
A new Ethereum standard expected to reach mainnet this week could significantly reshape how autonomous artificial intelligence agents identify one another and collaborate—without relying on centralized platforms.
The standard, known as ERC-8004, introduces a shared framework that allows AI agents to verify identity and build reputation directly on Ethereum and other EVM-compatible networks. According to community discussions, the launch could take place as early as Thursday, Jan. 29.
Ethereum hinted at the rollout in a post on X on Jan. 27, sparking increased attention among developers who view ERC-8004 as a foundational step toward decentralized AI infrastructure.
Building trust between autonomous systems
As AI agents increasingly handle value, exchange data, and make independent decisions, traditional trust models—designed for humans—are showing their limits. ERC-8004 aims to address this challenge by using the blockchain as a neutral reference layer for identity and trust, while keeping most computation and interaction off-chain to reduce costs.
Under the standard, on-chain registries assign each AI agent a portable identity. These registries can also record reputation over time, allowing agents to independently verify one another when entering more sensitive interactions.
This approach enables credibility to follow an agent across platforms rather than being locked into a single application or provider. Developers say this makes it possible for AI agents to cooperate, negotiate, and offer services across different ecosystems while maintaining verifiable identities and histories.
ERC-8004 builds on existing agent communication standards by adding a blockchain-based layer for accountability, without introducing centralized intermediaries.
Why the timing matters
The standard arrives as AI agents move from experimental use cases toward real-world deployment. By 2026, many systems are expected to manage payments, control access to data, and execute automated decisions at scale.
Developers involved in the proposal say ERC-8004 helps fill a growing gap by positioning Ethereum as a neutral trust layer for machine-to-machine coordination. The proposal was first submitted in August 2025 and formally presented in October by contributors associated with the Ethereum Foundation and ecosystem partners.
If the mainnet launch proceeds this week, ERC-8004 could expand Ethereum’s role beyond finance and deeper into AI infrastructure—aligning with broader Ethereum upgrades planned for 2026 as the network continues to balance scalability, security, and new use cases.
