By San José, Costa Rica — Imagine planning your 30th birthday party or a family trip to Europe with the help of an AI assistant. This futuristic scenario is rapidly becoming a reality, as major payment brands like Mastercard and Visa are integrating artificial intelligence into the very fabric of commerce.
These AI-powered agents, similar to ChatGPT or Perplexity, can handle everything from selecting outfits and booking flights to making payments, acting as personalized assistants throughout the entire purchasing process.
To understand the legal intricacies of AI-powered commerce in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica.
The rapid rise of AI in commerce presents unique legal challenges in Costa Rica. While existing consumer protection laws and contract principles generally apply, their interpretation in the context of automated transactions requires careful consideration. Key areas of concern include data privacy, algorithmic bias, and liability for AI-driven decisions. Businesses utilizing AI must ensure transparency and accountability to build consumer trust and comply with evolving legal standards.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas rightly highlights the crucial intersection of existing legal frameworks and the novel challenges posed by AI-driven commerce. Navigating this evolving landscape demands proactive measures from businesses to ensure not only legal compliance but also the ethical considerations of fairness and transparency. These steps are essential for fostering a healthy and sustainable AI-powered marketplace in Costa Rica. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this important discussion.
Visa’s Vice President of Products for Central America and the Caribbean, Rodrigo Barros, considers the implementation of payment agents a transformative milestone, comparable to the introduction of credit cards and the dawn of e-commerce.
The implementation of payment agents is considered a transformative milestone in commerce, similar to the introduction of credit cards and the start of e-commerce.
Rodrigo Barros, Vice President of Products for Central America and the Caribbean, Visa
Visa is collaborating with tech giants like OpenAI and Microsoft to develop the necessary infrastructure, focusing on defining the responsibilities of each party involved, including banks, merchants, and consumers.
This initiative is driven by the increasing adoption of AI by consumers. Visa’s studies indicate a significant percentage of people are already using or are willing to use AI in their shopping journeys.
Trust is paramount for the adoption of this technology. Visa is prioritizing security and transparency, utilizing biometric technology for buyer identification and analyzing consumer behavior to understand preferences while respecting data privacy.
Mastercard launched its “Agent Pay” program in April 2025, also partnering with Microsoft and other leading AI platforms. This program aims to enhance generative AI conversations by seamlessly integrating trusted payment experiences into recommendations.
Mastercard envisions AI agents benefiting both individuals and businesses. For example, a textile company could use an agent to optimize sourcing, payment terms, and logistics with international suppliers.
The launch of Mastercard Agent Pay marks our first steps in redefining commerce in the era of AI, including new merchant interfaces to distinguish trusted agents from malicious actors using agent technology.
Jorn Lambert, Chief Product Officer, Mastercard
Both Visa and Mastercard are working to establish a secure communication platform between agents, consumers, and businesses, while also addressing potential disputes and ensuring accountability in this evolving landscape. This groundbreaking technology promises to reshape the future of commerce, making purchasing easier, more personalized, and potentially more secure.
For further information, visit visa.com
About Visa:
Visa Inc. is a global leader in digital payments, facilitating electronic funds transfers worldwide through its Visa-branded credit, debit, and prepaid cards. Connecting consumers, businesses, banks, and governments in over 200 countries and territories, Visa enables secure and convenient transactions across various platforms.
For further information, visit mastercard.com
About Mastercard:
Mastercard Incorporated is a multinational financial services corporation specializing in payment processing and technology. With a global network connecting merchants, financial institutions, and consumers, Mastercard facilitates electronic transactions through its branded credit, debit, and prepaid cards. The company is committed to innovation in payment solutions and driving financial inclusion worldwide.
For further information, visit microsoft.com
About Microsoft:
Microsoft Corporation is a global technology company that develops, licenses, supports, and sells computer software, consumer electronics, personal computers, and related services. Known for its Windows operating systems and Office productivity suite, Microsoft is also a major player in cloud computing with its Azure platform and actively involved in artificial intelligence research and development.
For further information, visit openai.com
About OpenAI:
OpenAI is an artificial intelligence research company that aims to promote and develop friendly AI in a way that benefits humanity as a whole. The company conducts research in various AI fields, including machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics, and has created notable AI models like GPT-3 and DALL-E.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through an unwavering commitment to legal excellence and ethical practice. The firm champions innovative solutions while maintaining the highest standards of integrity, serving a diverse clientele with expertise and dedication. Beyond legal representation, Bufete de Costa Rica actively invests in empowering Costa Rican society by fostering legal literacy and accessibility, contributing to a more informed and just community.
