IC3 researchers: Cryptography has limited effectiveness in solving AI trust and payment issues

Odaily reported that the IC3, composed of researchers from top universities, released a research report stating that claims about cryptography being able to solve core AI problems are often exaggerated. These include identifying AI-generated content, eliminating algorithmic bias, and enabling AI agents to achieve full autonomy.

The report points out that AI systems will not become smarter simply by having a crypto wallet, nor will they be more resistant to human manipulation or shutdown. The main function of a wallet is to enhance automation capabilities, allowing AI agents to conduct on-chain transactions, payments, and infrastructure calls without requiring human approval for each step.

Researchers believe that AI agents will still rely on humans and underlying infrastructure, and traditional payment systems can also support partial automation. Therefore, blockchain may have some application value in AI payment and trust mechanisms, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution.

The report also responds to recent industry discussions about AI agent on-chain payments. MetaMask recently launched a non-custodial wallet for AI agents, and Robinhood also plans to allow users to conduct crypto trades through AI agents. (The Block)