Cloudflare Revolutionizes Web Agentic AI with Stablecoin NET Dollar

From Advertising Platform to Payment Agent

NET Dollar emerged as Cloudflare's solution to the evolving internet economy, where users are led by AI agents that automatically collect, analyze, and act without traditional forms of monetization like advertising or subscriptions.

CEO Matthew Prince envisions a “pay-as-you-go, percentage-based, and microtransactions” model that incentivizes original content and innovation, declaring: “The next business model for the internet will be driven by… tools that transform the momentum toward original, innovative content that truly creates value. Using our global network, we will help modernize the financial channels needed to move money at the speed of the internet.”

Enable AI agents to perform programmatic actions seamlessly—paying for the cheapest flight when requested, placing orders as soon as they are in stock, or compensating suppliers when delivery is confirmed.

It's more than just payments; it's the foundation for the merchant web, where bots negotiate, transact, and settle at lightning speed, leveraging Cloudflare's 300+ global data centers.

Proposed research objectives

NET Dollar is designed as an “Internet-native payment system” optimized for speed and scalability, supporting transparent transactions across multiple currencies, geographies, and time zones.

• Micropayments at scale: Percentage-based USD transfers for granular use cases, such as $0.0004 per paragraph or $0.02 per API endpoint, bypassing the hassle of invoicing.

• Edge Integration: Link to Cloudflare's Workers platform for serverless execution, where pricing transactions are executed via standards like x402 (HTTP-level micropayments) and Agent Payments Protocol (AP2).

• AI Agent Compatibility: Supports automated discovery and reputation through Ethereum standards like ERC-8004, enabling secure bot-to-bot payments on chains like Base.

Initially, NET Dollar will support Ethereum and Solana for cross-chain liquidity, with open APIs for e-commerce and platforms for seamless adoption. Cloudflare's contributions to open standards, including the x402 Foundation with Coinbase, ensure interoperability without proprietary lock-ins.

Roadmap from the project

As a fully USD-backed stablecoin, NET Dollar maintains a 1:1 parity through cash reserves and equivalents, audited for transparency similar to USDC—though details on custodians like BlackRock have yet to be announced. The beta version at netdollar.cloudflare.com is attracting initial interest, with a full rollout expected in Q4 2025, subject to regulatory approval.

No exact token code (NETD is speculated) or initial supply has been disclosed, but forward-looking statements highlight implementation risks such as market volatility. This comes as Cloudflare is saddled with $3.2 billion in debt, raising questions about whether the stablecoin will offset infrastructure costs or amplify leverage in a high-interest environment.

Evaluation and Conclusion

Cloudflare’s NET Dollar is one of the first attempts to build a stablecoin specifically designed for AI-driven economies. If successful, it could provide the missing payment layer for a future where AI agents autonomously purchase services, negotiate contracts, and even monetize their output. By combining a global infrastructure footprint with a regulatory-compliant, dollar-backed token, Cloudflare has a credible path to positioning itself at the intersection of Web3, fintech, and AI.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is the author's personal opinion in the cryptocurrency field. It is not intended to be financial or investment advice. Any investment decision should be based on careful consideration of your personal portfolio and risk tolerance. The views expressed in this article do not represent the official position of the platform. We recommend that readers conduct their own research and consult with a professional before making any investment decisions.