API terms of use

In these terms, "API" refers to the application programming interface (API) provided by Alibaba Cloud. You can use the API to programmatically access Alibaba Cloud services, such as Elastic Compute Service (ECS), ApsaraDB RDS (RDS), and Object Storage Service (OSS). Alibaba Cloud may add other programmable services in the future based on its business plans.

2.1. Alibaba Cloud determines, at its sole discretion, whether to grant you a license to use the API. When Alibaba Cloud grants you permission to create an access key, you receive a personal, free, non-transferable, non-sublicensable, and non-exclusive license to use the API. This license lets you access Alibaba Cloud services through the API.

2.2. You understand and agree that your use of Alibaba Cloud services accessed through the API is also subject to the terms of service for each service. You can review these terms at the URLs provided below.

2.3. The number of calls you make to the Alibaba Cloud API and the volume of data you access must be within the limits set by Alibaba Cloud. If Alibaba Cloud discovers that you are attempting to exceed or bypass these limits, your API access may be temporarily or permanently blocked.

2.4. You understand and agree that Alibaba Cloud only provides the API. You are responsible for writing your own code to call Alibaba Cloud services. Alibaba Cloud is not responsible for your code or the results of your application.

2.5. When using the Alibaba Cloud API, do not perform the following actions:

2.5.1. Do not modify, translate, adapt, rent, sublicense, distribute, or transfer the API provided by Alibaba Cloud. Do not reverse-engineer, decompile, or otherwise attempt to discover the source code of the API, unless explicitly permitted by Alibaba Cloud.

2.5.2. Do not engage in any activity that undermines or attempts to undermine network security. These activities include, but are not limited to, phishing, hacking, online fraud, and distributing or allegedly distributing viruses, Trojan horses, or malicious code on websites or in storage spaces. Do not use virtual servers to conduct suspected attacks against other websites or servers, such as scanning, sniffing attacks, ARP spoofing, and DoS attacks.

2.5.3. Do not alter or attempt to alter system configurations provided by Alibaba Cloud or compromise system security.

2.5.4. Do not violate these terms of use, any regulations or announcements posted by Alibaba Cloud on API-related pages, or the rights of Alibaba Cloud or any third party.

2.5.5. Do not engage in any other activity that violates relevant laws and regulations.

2.6. You understand and agree that Alibaba Cloud reserves the right to release subsequent versions of the API and to require you to obtain and use the latest version.

2.7. If Alibaba Cloud needs to suspend your API access for server or system maintenance or upgrades, Alibaba Cloud will provide advance notice whenever possible.

2.8. Your API service call data is based on the records in Alibaba Cloud's backend systems.

You understand and agree that during any free-of-charge period, Alibaba Cloud does not provide any warranty against errors or vulnerabilities in the API. You use the Alibaba Cloud API at your own discretion and assume all associated risks. You are solely responsible for any loss incurred from using the Alibaba Cloud API.

You must ensure that your use of the Alibaba Cloud API complies with these terms and all applicable national laws and regulations, and does not harm the interests of Alibaba Cloud. Alibaba Cloud has the right to suspend or terminate your access to the API at any time if any of the following situations occur:

4.1. The personal or other information you provide is false or illegal.

4.2. Your use of the Alibaba Cloud API violates national laws and regulations, these terms of use, or any regulations or announcements that Alibaba Cloud posts on API-related pages.

4.3. Alibaba Cloud determines, at its sole discretion, that your use of the API does not meet its requirements.

4.4. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Alibaba Cloud reserves the right to change, suspend, or terminate the service at any time without prior notice to you.

You and Alibaba Cloud must each maintain the confidentiality of the other party's confidential information. This obligation does not apply if disclosure is required by a competent authority, such as an administrative or judicial body, or if the information has entered the public domain.

6.1. Using the Alibaba Cloud API, you agree to comply with these terms of use. Alibaba Cloud reserves the right to revise these terms at any time and will provide you with advance notice. When these terms are changed, Alibaba Cloud will publish the revised terms on www.aliyun.com and notify you of the changes. You understand and agree that if you continue to use the API service after the terms are revised, your continued use constitutes acceptance of the revised terms. If you do not accept the revisions, you must stop using the API.

6.2. Alibaba Cloud currently provides the API to you free of charge. However, Alibaba Cloud may charge for the API in the future. In that event, Alibaba Cloud will announce the pricing policy and rules through website announcements or other notices on its website. If you want to continue using the Alibaba Cloud API, you must pay the service fees according to the pricing policy and rules in effect at that time. You must also follow the API terms of use, specifications, and procedures that are in effect at that time.

6.3. When you obtain and use Alibaba Cloud services through the API, you must also comply with the following terms of service:

Elastic Compute Service Terms of Service

ApsaraDB RDS Terms of Service

Object Storage Service Terms of Service

Server Load Balancer Terms of Service

Content Delivery Network Terms of Service

6.4. These terms of use are governed by the laws of the People's Republic of China. In the event of a dispute arising from the execution of these terms, both parties shall promptly negotiate a resolution. If a resolution cannot be reached through negotiation, either party may file a lawsuit with the People's Court of Xihu District, Hangzhou.