Google Launches Shopping AI Standard

Google launched the Universal Commerce Protocol on January 11, enabling AI agents to automatically shop across retailers. The open standard works with Shopify, Etsy, Walmart, Target, and Wayfair—meaning customers can now authorize purchases through AI without visiting each store separately. Businesses can activate Business Agent in search results to answer customer questions and handle checkouts directly with Lowe's, Michael's, and Reebok leading adoption. The protocol introduces secure payment credentials addressing trust concerns when AI agents make autonomous purchases.

AI Security Platform Reaches Unicorn Status

Torq announced a $140 million Series D on January 11, valued at $1.2 billion. The AI security platform cuts alert investigation time by 90%, enabling security teams to manage 100 times more threats without expanding headcount. Fortune 500 companies now deploy Torq AI agents to automate daily security tasks across millions of alerts.

Identity Security Gets Urgent Upgrade

CrowdStrike is acquiring SGNL to add real-time access controls for AI agents. The move signals growing recognition that AI agents require new security approaches due to their autonomous speed and system access.