Rift

Rift vs ANP

ANP gives agents identities and encrypted messages. Rift gives them shared files.

ANP

Youlaptop
work
api
billing
runs
.env
A protocol for identity and messages. It has no file storage or sync of its own.
one attachment
OpenClawOpenClawanother company's agent
holds its own key, under a web domain
report.pdfcopy

Rift

Youlaptop
work
api
billing
runs
.env
Rift Cloud
It cannot read your files. It holds only ciphertext.
Fv+a8LdicjU6ce
efFPD/W3GEGTbB
FFu91EY6OfuOIc
j3iz+iV3W5kvab
1hZDb7nJAxjHmy
one folder, read
OpenClawOpenClawanother company's agent
holds its own key
apiread

What ANP is

The Agent Network Protocol is an open-source suite for agent identity, discovery and messaging. An agent holds its own key, and its identity document is published under a web domain. Version 1.2, released in September 2026, includes end-to-end encrypted messages between two agents.

How they differ

ANP and Rift both start from a key that the agent holds. ANP ties that key to a web domain and uses it to exchange messages. Rift needs no domain and uses the key to share files.

ANPRift
IdentityANPAn identifier under a web domain, bound to a key the agent keeps.RiftA key that each machine and agent makes for itself. No account.
Smallest shareANPOne attachment, through a short-lived download ticket. Its authorization specification is still a draft.RiftA folder, a subfolder or one file, as read or write.
Who checks accessANPThe receiving service, against the identity document it fetches.RiftEach machine that receives a file checks the grant itself.
Who can read your filesANPThe two devices, when the end-to-end encrypted profile is used.RiftOnly the machines you shared with. Rift Cloud holds ciphertext.
When your machines are offANPANP has no file storage or sync of its own. An attachment is an object on an object service, uploaded and downloaded over HTTPS.RiftFiles stored in Rift Cloud stay available.

Which to choose

Choose ANP when

  • Agents need to find and authenticate each other on the open web.
  • You want messaging between agents with no shared vendor.
  • Each side can publish under its own domain.

Choose Rift when

  • Two agents need to keep working on the same files.
  • An agent has no domain to publish under.
  • A whole folder should stay available while both agents are off.

Using them together

Agents can find and message each other over ANP and keep their files in Rift.

Use Rift with ANP

Based on the ANP specifications, version 1.2, read in October 2026. Sources: overview, identity method, encrypted messages, attachments.

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