The three layers of the agentic web

This is how I am currently visualising the emerging structure of the agentic internet, a system of layers that separates use, intelligence, and control.

The Use Layer, human interface

This is the visible layer. Where humans interact with their devices, operating systems, and browsers. It is where UX lives, the human-to-agent interface.

Examples:

• Siri, Gemini OS, ChatGPT app, Perplexity, Arc
• Voice, gesture, text, and multimodal input

Purpose: express intent. The human describes what they want, the system structures it as a request.

The Model Layer, intelligence and execution

This is the reasoning layer, the engine room of agency. It is where models, agents, and browsers interpret human intent and turn it into actions.

It includes:

• LLMs such as GPT, Gemini, Claude
• Agentic browsers
• Task-specific agents
• Protocols: MCP and ACP

MCP (Model Context Protocol) provides structured access to tools and data. ACP (Agentic Communication Protocol) governs how agents talk to each other securely and coherently. Together they allow models to think, plan, and collaborate.

The Organisation Layer, governance and control

This is the control surface for brands and systems. It is where data lives, decisions are recorded, and rules are enforced.

The AIP (Agentic Interface Protocol) sits here, defining how external agents can read, interpret, and act on a brand’s data or services.

Purpose:

• Control, governance, and measurement
• Authentication and trust
• Value exchange and negotiation

This layer ensures that every interaction is auditable, permissioned, and aligned with business logic.

The layers in sequence

Layer	Purpose	Core components	Protocols
Use Layer	Human intent	User, device, agentic OS
Model Layer	Intelligence and execution	Agents, browsers, models	MCP, ACP
Organisation Layer	Control and governance	Brand systems, data, trust frameworks	AIP

How it flows

1. Humans express intent through devices and OS in the Use Layer.
2. Models interpret and plan using context and inter-agent coordination in the Model Layer.
3. Organisations define and control how agents act, transact, and measure outcomes in the Organisation Layer.

Final thought

The agentic web mirrors the structure of society. Humans express wants. Agents negotiate on their behalf. Organisations set the rules of engagement.

UX is human trust. AX is machine trust. AIP is institutional trust.