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API Terms

API terms are the rules for connecting software to a vendor's platform through its API. They set request limits, restrict how you use the data, and let the vendor change the API or cut off your access.

What are API terms?

API terms are the rules for connecting software to a vendor's platform through its API (application programming interface), the channel programs use to send and fetch data. They apply when you build an integration, sync data with another tool or run an app on the vendor's platform.

They are often separate from the main terms of service, under names like API terms, developer terms or platform policy. Slack has its own API Terms of Service, and GitHub has an API section in its main terms.

A real change we caught

Venpo flagged a change in which Grok's standard API is now off limits for personal data. In another case, Box can now throttle you before you hit your limit. Both changes reach any integration that depends on those APIs.

Why it matters to you

  • Limits. API terms set how many requests you can make. Slack bars use that "exceeds rate limits, or constitutes excessive or abusive usage" (Slack). GitHub decides "in our sole discretion" what counts as excessive API use (GitHub, section H). See sole discretion.
  • Access can be cut. GitHub can suspend API access temporarily or permanently for abuse, and says it will make a reasonable attempt to warn you by email first (section H). Slack may end its API contract with or without cause (Slack). HubSpot reserves the right to suspend or revoke developer access if use harms HubSpot or its customers (HubSpot developer changelog, May 2026). See suspension of service.
  • Data use rules. Slack bars apps used outside the developer's own organization from using API data to "train a large language model" and bans bulk export of messages and files, with limited exceptions (Slack). HubSpot's updated developer terms bar using data from its APIs to train AI models, with some exceptions (HubSpot).
  • Breaking changes. Slack may make "backwards incompatible changes" and says it will try to give reasonable notice (Slack). HubSpot's main terms warn that APIs "may not be available at all times" (HubSpot Customer Terms).

What to check

  • Find the API or developer terms for every vendor your product or workflows connect to.
  • Note the rate limits and what happens when you exceed them.
  • Read the rules on storing, exporting and using API data, especially for AI.
  • Check how much notice you get before breaking changes, and follow the vendor's changelog.
  • Read when the vendor can suspend your access and whether it must warn you first.

How Venpo helps

API rules change on public terms and policy pages. Venpo monitors those pages and emails you a plain-English alert when a vendor adds a data restriction or a new limit, as with Grok and Box.

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Frequently asked questions

Can a vendor shut off my API access?

Often yes. Many API terms let the vendor suspend or end access for abuse or other reasons, sometimes without notice, so read the suspension section.

Can I use data from a vendor's API to train AI?

Check first. Some API terms now ban using API data to train AI models, with only narrow exceptions.

Related terms

Vendor Documents Terms of Service (ToS) A terms of service (ToS) is the contract a software vendor publishes to set the rules for using its product, including fees, data rights, liability and how disputes are handled. Vendors can usually change it on their own. Termination and Disputes Suspension of Service Suspension of service is a vendor's right to switch off or limit your access for a while, without ending the contract, often for unpaid invoices, policy breaches or security risks. Vendor Documents Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) An acceptable use policy (AUP) is a vendor's list of things you and your team may not do with its product, such as attacking the service, scraping data or misusing AI. Breaking it can get your account suspended. Renewals, Pricing and Billing Fair Use Policy A fair use policy is a set of rules that limits how much of a service you can use, even on a plan sold as unlimited. It lets the vendor slow you down, charge more or suspend you if it decides your use is excessive. AI and Your Data AI Connector (MCP Integration) An AI connector, such as one built on the Model Context Protocol (MCP), is a link that lets an AI assistant read data from or take actions in one of your business apps, using a user's permissions.

Sources

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