// GLOSSARY -- AGENTIC AI
What is a Browser Agent?
An AI autonomously navigating web pages — clicking links, filling forms, executing actions. When accessing e-commerce or financial services, it can initiate real purchases.
WHY IT MATTERS
Browser agents extend AI to the entire web — any site a human uses, a browser agent can use. Including shopping, banking, and trading platforms.
Significant financial risk. An agent tasked with price comparison might navigate to checkout and buy. Access to banking sites enables transfers.
Unlike API agents with limited endpoints, browser agents can find and click any button — making API-level restrictions insufficient.
HOW POLICYLAYER USES THIS
PolicyLayer prevents unauthorized purchases regardless of whether the agent initiated via API or browser click.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can browser agents be sandbox?
Partially — you can restrict which URLs they access. But within allowed sites, they can click any button. PolicyLayer provides the financial safety layer.
How common are browser agents?
Growing rapidly. Products like Anthropic's computer use, Google's Project Mariner, and numerous startups are making browser agents mainstream.
Can they handle 2FA?
Some can interact with 2FA flows (reading codes from the screen). This makes financial controls even more important — 2FA doesn't protect against an authorized agent making unauthorized decisions.