L402

HTTP 402 Payment Required status code based native internet payment wall

CommonProductBusinessPayment ProtocolMicropayments

L402 is an open protocol based on HTTP 402 Payment Required status code and the Lightning Network to implement a native internet payment wall. It provides immediate, low-cost transactions for API monetization and digital services through micropayments, pay-per-use, and fine-grained access control models, unlocking new revenue streams. L402's open protocol encourages innovation and widespread adoption across industries, fostering the development of a vibrant ecosystem of applications and services.

Supports new monetization models like micropayments and pay-per-use
Open and extensible
encouraging innovation and application across industries
Language-agnostic design ensures seamless integration in different programming environments and platforms
Integration with the Lightning Network enables instant and low-cost digital payments
Utilizes macaroons to implement fine-grained access control and secure token management
Built on HTTP
Lightning Network
and Macaroons
a user-friendly protocol suitable for AI applications and automation systems

L402 protocol is suitable for digital service providers who need to implement fine-grained access control and secure payment
especially API services
online content publishers
and enterprises requiring flexible payment solutions.

API service providers use the L402 protocol to implement pay-per-call billing
Online content publishers set up article reading paywalls using L402
Enterprises utilize the L402 protocol to provide fine-grained access control for specific services or data

1. When processing a request to a protected endpoint
the server issues an L402 challenge and returns a 402 Payment Required HTTP response with challenge details.
2. The challenge includes a macaroon (a token granting specific permissions) and a Lightning Network invoice.
3. Upon receiving the HTTP 402 Payment Required status
the client extracts the macaroon and lightning invoice from the challenge.

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