BBVA helps design a common protocol led by Sierra AI and Meta to connect AI agents with businesses

Artificial intelligence is evolving from assistants capable of answering questions to agents that can perform tasks, interact with different platforms and complete processes autonomously.

This shift presents a new challenge for businesses: how to allow these agents to access their services securely while respecting each customer's privacy, permissions and decisions.

To address this challenge, Sierra AI has spearheaded the Personal Agent Protocol (Poppy) that aims to establish common mechanisms for personal AI agents to interact securely with businesses, with clearly defined permissions. The model allows users to decide what level of access they grant their agents, while enabling companies to identify them, determine whom they represent and set limits on their actions.

“Security must be at the heart of interactions between AI agents and digital services. This common protocol lays the foundation for an open and interoperable ecosystem that protects our customers’ privacy and allows them to remain in control,” said David Puente, Head of Retail Customer Solutions at BBVA.

Currently, many AI agents need to navigate websites designed for people or use their credentials to complete certain tasks.