AI Agents To Disrupt Big Tech By 2035, Says Hoskinson

Charles Hoskinson is convinced that AI agents are soon going to take over the internet and change the way technology companies currently operate.

The Cardano founder cautioned during Consensus Miami 2026 that in the next 10 years, the Internet in a decade and commerce and financial transactions will be taken over by artificial intelligence.

Companies like Google, Amazon and Facebook worry about this change, as they rely heavily on advertising revenue, said Hoskinson. He said that the AI agents don’t follow advertisements or fall in love with brands like human users do.

The comments highlighted emerging apprehensions in the technology sector of the world about the swift pace of innovations in the field of autonomous AI systems and DBFIs.

Charles Hoskinson speaks at Consensus Miami 2026 about AI agents reshaping internet commerce and cryptocurrency adoption. [Courtesy: CoinDesk]

AI Agents Could Dominate Internet Activity By 2035

On digital platforms, AI agents are taking the place of humans, Hoskinson said. By 2035, most searches, online transactions, and all interactions on the internet would be done through autonomous AI systems, he says, rather than humans.

Hoskinson said that this new “agentic revolution” endangers the established basis of the bigger tech firms. He stated that companies such as Amazon, Google and Facebook are investing heavily in AI because they are facing considerable threats to their business model.

AI systems have different interactions with online services than humans, Hoskinson explained. AI agents don’t click on ads, follow influencers or show loyalty towards commercial brands in digital transactions or purchasing decisions, unlike consumers.

Why Big Tech Companies Fear The Agentic Revolution

Hoskinson claimed that ad-based businesses could face difficulties in an AI-driven world. Large tech companies now rely on the engagement of consumers, personalised advertising, and tracking users’ behaviour for profits. AI agents, on the other hand, operate on the principles of efficiency, not emotional appeal or marketing strategies.

Hoskinson mentioned that Google has recently been interested in x402, a Coinbase-backed protocol that allows direct payments to be made between AI applications using stablecoins and the cryptocurrency rails. This is in line with broader industry concerns about future digital commerce systems,” he added.

Companies know that the autonomous use of AI technologies could completely outsmart the traditional advertising system, while platforms must adapt their digital engagement strategies and revenue models quickly and rapidly.

Big Tech firms face growing pressure as AI agents reshape online advertising and digital commerce models. [Courtesy: Boston Consulting Group]

AI Agents Could Accelerate Cryptocurrency Adoption

Hoskinson said that AI agents are the “one best thing that ever happened to cryptocurrencies”. He said that AI could help streamline complex interactions on the blockchain and enhance user experience.

Hoskinson believes that AI systems will eventually perform automatic due diligence, automatic transaction execution, and interactions with decentralised finance. This progress may eliminate the technical hurdles for the mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies that are now. His remarks came as others in the industry had made similar statements recently.

In recent news, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong forecasted that AI agents will soon be making more transactions globally than people. Binance founder, Changpeng Zhao, also predicted that AI systems would process a million times more payments in the future digital economy than humans.

Crypto Users Warned Against Losing Asset Control

Hoskinson said that although he believes in innovation with AI, he doesn’t want users to over-reliance on intermediaries and custodial systems. He pointed out that the concept of cryptocurrency was designed to ensure direct control of assets, identity and personal data.

Hoskinson accused users of relying on custodial wallets, permissioned networks and third-party platforms. People sometimes wish they hadn’t trusted an outside party, regretting the loss of their account or financial management. However, decentralisation is still key despite the increase in institutional participation in blockchain technology, Hoskinson said.

He believes the role of an AI agent should be to give people more power instead of consolidating it more into technology companies or financial institutions. He emphasised the importance of keeping direct digital ownership of cryptocurrencies for long-term adoption and security.

Blockchain Fragmentation Continues Slowing Industry Progress

Hoskinson also condemned the current blockchain fragmentation and cryptocurrency projects in every part of the world. He said that the number of tokens has diverted developers from creating a more widespread industry collaboration and technological advancement.

During his Consensus Miami keynote speech, Hoskinson said there have been 11 million tokens issued over the years. He stated that currently, there is no need for any more cryptocurrencies, but for the industry to work together better. Hoskinson believes interoperability and shared infrastructure are more valuable than launching new speculative assets.

There is room for transparency and collaboration that will further blockchain’s adoption around the world and enhance its scalability and reliability, he believes. While industry fragmentation is being seen in some cases, it still poses technical constraints and hampers innovation within decentralised finance and digital asset spaces.

Charles Hoskinson urges blockchain cooperation instead of continued cryptocurrency fragmentation and excessive token launches. [Courtesy: Open Access Government]

User Experience Remains A Major Industry Challenge

A major challenge in the user experience industry is still here. However, a challenge in user experience continues to be a big problem.

Another obstacle to cryptocurrency adoption in the world is poor user experience, Hoskinson noted. He faulted the existing onboarding systems, saying they are confusing, complex and prone to user errors.

Hoskinson adds that there is still a lack of simplicity for the cryptocurrency apps to appeal to the general public and institutional users. He cited account abstraction and chain abstraction as some of the technologies that can help make blockchains more user-friendly.

These systems could make wallet management and decentralised finance interactions easier, maintaining user ownership of assets and identity in the process.

Hoskinson said that interfaces and a streamlined process are needed to get it to a wider audience. If blockchain systems fail to become more accessible, they might not be able to compete with other digital payment systems around the world.

Financial Institutions Are Changing Their Crypto Attitudes

Hoskinson also pointed to several shifts among the big financial institutions in their attitude to cryptocurrency technologies now.

He acknowledged JPMorgan had not long ago allowed banking entities to conduct business with cryptocurrencies, but now they are building blockchain merchandise and solutions. This change illustrates the fundamental change in attitude towards digital assets that has happened in the institutional sector in recent years, Hoskinson said.

While faced with some criticism and worries from regulators, traditional banks have seen the commercial potential in blockchain and are starting to see it. Hoskinson said that these are signs of a maturing cryptocurrency industry that’s gaining wider acceptance in mainstream society.

AI innovations will keep gaining traction, while institutional investment and blockchain adoption could further gain momentum. The rise of AI, decentralised finance and blockchain infrastructure may be a defining trend of global trade, finance and digital transactions over the next decade.

Also Read: Cardano Bets on Long-Term Stability While the Rest of Crypto Chases the Next Hype Cycle

FAQs

Q1: What Did Charles Hoskinson Say About AI Agents?

A1: Charles Hoskinson predicted AI agents would dominate internet searches, commerce and transactions by 2035. He warned that Big Tech firms fear disruption to their advertising-based business models.

Q2: Why Are AI Agents Important For Cryptocurrency?

A2: Hoskinson believes AI agents could simplify decentralised finance and automate blockchain interactions. This may improve cryptocurrency adoption by reducing technical complexity for users globally.

Q3: How Could AI Agents Affect Google And Amazon?

A3: AI agents may avoid advertisements and ignore brand loyalty during transactions. This threatens revenue streams built around advertising and consumer engagement for major technology companies.

Q4: What Challenges Still Face The Crypto Industry?

A4: Hoskinson identified poor user experience and blockchain fragmentation as key challenges. He believes stronger cooperation and simpler interfaces are necessary for wider adoption.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment or cryptocurrency trading advice. Readers should conduct independent research before making investment decisions involving digital assets, blockchain technologies or artificial intelligence-related projects. Market conditions, regulations and technological developments may change rapidly. Crafmin does not endorse specific cryptocurrencies, companies or financial products mentioned within this report.