Lightning Service Authentication Tokens - a new payment protocol

On March 30, Lightning Labs released the specifications for the Lightning Service Authentication Tokens (LSAT). This is a new protocol that has the potential to redefine online payments through an unused HTTP status code.

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1 The new Lightning Service Authentication Tokens protocol uses HTTP 402 “payment required” error code

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LSAT facilitates automatic authentication and payments, using cryptographic credentials, thus eliminating the need to use credit cards, usernames and passwords.

The system issues Lightning tokens for users who have paid for the service in Bitcoin, tokens that replace regular email-based credentials. LSAT also allows applications that charge users continuously for resources instead of periodic prepayments.

The new Lightning Service Authentication Tokens protocol uses HTTP 402 “payment required” error code

Error 402 is returned when a user tries to access a webpage for which he did not pay. Wikipedia reports that the code is “reserved for future use” and was originally intended for use by a digital payment system.

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Commentator Marty Bent believes Lightning Labs has made a “huge discovery”:

“When the Internet was initially designed, especially HTTP, the architects predicted that there would be a native payment system built into the system. However, at that time, there is no adequate digital money system to facilitate this. Thus, the HTTP 402 or “payment required” status code has never been used. “

Bent agrees that the potential for use is “massive”:

“LSAT transforms existing manual processes into automated API calls from wallets, mobile applications, browsers and extensions. If properly implemented and widely adopted, this will provide incredible utility for developers and users alike. ”

Along with LSAT, Lightning Labs has announced it will launch “Aperture” – described as “a reverse HTTP 402 LSAT proxy”. It can be used for