# Build Agent Advocates, Not Platform Agents

**Authors:** Sayash Kapoor, Noam Kolt, Seth Lazar  
**arXiv:** [2505.04345](https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.04345)  
**Date:** 2025-05-07  
**Summary page:** https://www.summarizepaper.com/en/arxiv-id/2505.04345v2/

## Key points

- Authors discuss the role of language model agents in shaping online interactions
- Potential consequences of dominant companies or competitors controlling agents: increased surveillance, user lock-in, and market consolidation
- Advocacy for agent advocates - user-controlled agents prioritizing individual autonomy and choice
- Broad public access to computing resources and AI models not owned by specific platforms
- Establishment of open interoperability and safety standards for effective communication across platforms
- Market regulation to prevent dominant players from stifling competition and innovation
- Goal is to create a diverse, inclusive digital ecosystem empowering individuals and fostering healthy competition

## Summary

In their paper titled "Build Agent Advocates, Not Platform Agents," authors Sayash Kapoor, Noam Kolt, and Seth Lazar discuss the role of language model agents in shaping online interactions. They highlight the potential consequences if dominant internet companies or emerging competitors control these agents, leading to increased surveillance, user lock-in, and the consolidation of market incumbents. To counter this trend, the authors advocate for the promotion of agent advocates - user-controlled agents that prioritize individual autonomy and choice. The paper emphasizes three key strategies to support the development of agent advocates: first, ensuring broad public access to computing resources and advanced AI models that are not owned by specific platforms. This approach aims to democratize access to technology and prevent monopolistic control over agent capabilities. Second, establishing open interoperability and safety standards is crucial for enabling different agent advocates to communicate effectively and securely across various platforms. Lastly, market regulation plays a vital role in preventing dominant players from stifling competition and innovation in the agent advocacy space. By championing user-controlled agents and implementing these coordinated measures, the authors argue that it is possible to create a more diverse and inclusive digital ecosystem that empowers individuals while fostering healthy competition among technology providers. The call to build agent advocates instead of platform agents underscores the importance of prioritizing user agency and choice in shaping the future of online interactions.