The evolution of web technology: From browsers to AI agents

The web has evolved at lightning speed, transforming from its humble beginnings as simple browser-based interactions to a dynamic, multi-channel ecosystem teeming with mobile apps, APIs, and now, AI agents. I like to think of this evolution in three major phases:

Phase 1: Browser-only web
In its early days, the web was accessed primarily through browsers. Detection techniques were relatively straightforward, focusing on differentiating between human users and automated bots. Fraud prevention was often static, relying on server-side signals like IP reputation or basic challenges.

Phase 2: The rise of mobile apps & APIs
The advent of mobile apps and API-driven interactions introduced a new layer of complexity. Businesses had to secure these channels while maintaining seamless user experiences. Fraudsters began exploiting APIs for credential stuffing, data scraping, and unauthorized transactions, prompting the need for advanced detection techniques that incorporated both server-side and client-side signals.

Phase 3: AI agents & headless browsers
Today, AI agents, such as OpenAI’s Operator, represent the next stage of web evolution. Unlike traditional users, AI agents operate programmatically, often through headless browsers. These agents present unique challenges, as they can be used for both legitimate purposes—like content discovery or automated purchases—and malicious activities, such as scraping, fraud, and vulnerability exploitation.