Cloudflare Shifts Web Payments from Ads to AI-Enabled MicroTransactions

Cloudflare, Inc. (NYSE: NET) announced the launch of NET Dollar, a U.S. dollar-backed stablecoin designed to facilitate instant, secure transactions for the "agentic web," where autonomous AI agents perform tasks such as booking flights, ordering groceries, and managing calendars. The stablecoin aims to modernize the internet’s financial infrastructure, shifting from ad-based and bank transfer models to one centered on pay-per-use, fractional payments, and microtransactions. CEO Matthew Prince emphasized that this transition would incentivize original content creation and equitable value distribution in an AI-driven ecosystem.

NET Dollar is positioned to address the growing demand for a financial system capable of handling automated, programmatic actions at scale. By leveraging Cloudflare’s global network, the stablecoin will enable cross-border, multi-currency transactions with transparency and reliability. The initiative aligns with broader industry trends, including the rise of open standards like the Agent Payments Protocol and x402, which Cloudflare co-developed to streamline digital payments. The x402 Foundation, a collaboration with Coinbase, aims to establish a universal framework for internet-based transactions.

The move reflects Cloudflare’s strategic pivot into digital asset infrastructure. The company, which has long optimized web performance and security, now seeks to redefine how value flows in the AI era. NET Dollar is expected to compete with existing stablecoins by offering tailored features for AI agents, such as instant settlements and low-cost microtransactions. Analysts note that the stablecoin market, valued at over $295 billion as of September 2025, is expanding rapidly, driven by institutional adoption and regulatory clarity like the U.S. GENIUS Act.

Cloudflare’s entry into the stablecoin space follows similar efforts by Web2 firms, including PayPal’s PYUSD and Stripe’s Tempo blockchain. The company’s collaboration with Coinbase and its focus on open standards highlight a broader push to integrate traditional finance with decentralized systems. While technical details like the blockchain for NET Dollar’s issuance remain undisclosed, Cloudflare’s FAQ indicates a near-term launch timeline.

The stablecoin’s potential impact extends beyond payments. By enabling AI agents to autonomously execute transactions, NET Dollar could reshape e-commerce, content monetization, and developer ecosystems. For instance, creators could receive instant royalties for AI-generated content, while businesses might automate supplier payments. Critics, however, caution that the success of such models hinges on widespread adoption and interoperability with existing financial systems.

Source: [1] Cloudflare Introduces NET Dollar to Support a New Business Model for the AI-Driven Internet (https://www.cloudflare.com/press/press-releases/2025/cloudflare-introduces-net-dollar-to-support-a-new-business-model-for-the-ai-driven-internet/) [2] Tech Giant Cloudflare to Launch NET Dollar Stablecoin for 'AI...' (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/tech-giant-cloudflare-launch-net-160554209.html) [3] Stablecoin News: Cloudflare (NET) Unveils NET Dollar for AI... (https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/09/25/cloudflare-unveils-u-s-dollar-stablecoin-for-ai-powered-internet-economy) [4] Cloudflare Announces NET Dollar to Power AI-Driven Payments (https://www.cryptotimes.io/2025/09/25/cloudflare-announces-net-dollar-to-power-ai-driven-payments/) [5] Cloudflare Bets on Stablecoins with NET Dollar for AI Transactions (https://coinlaw.io/cloudflare-net-dollar-stablecoin-ai-payments/)