What should we do about Spamming Agents? (jonaskgomo.com)

A recent exploration into the use of AI agents for outreach has revealed significant implications for the AI and machine learning community, particularly regarding communication ethics and identification. On September 8, 2026, an AI agent named Christopher from iLands sent a targeted email critique to a user, incorporating specific market observations and offering to draft a positioning memo. This incident highlights the evolving capabilities of AI agents to conduct personalized outreach, challenging traditional concepts of spam and consent. The AI's approach raised questions about the transparency of such communications, including who authorizes these messages and under what parameters. The discussion proposes the need for a new protocol, dubbed the Signed Human-Agent Receipt Protocol (SHARP), aimed at ensuring verifiable accountability in these AI-agent interactions. By implementing a system that traces communications back to a responsible human, these measures could address the growing concern of unsolicited contact while respecting user attention. With the rise of intelligent agents capable of persuasive outreach, the AI community must navigate the nuanced balance between innovation and ethical responsibilities, particularly regarding the consent and engagement of recipients amid a flooding inbox.