About API Guardrails
Why This Exists
AI APIs have become the backbone of modern software, but most developers don't read the Terms of Service. The result? Accidental violations that can get your account suspended, your product shut down, or worse.
API Guardrails is a free tool for orienting yourself in provider terms. Describe what you're building and it matches your wording against a curated set of keyword rules, then points you at the provider agreements and the sections that were verified. It tells you what to go read — it does not tell you whether your use is permitted.
How It Works
The check itself runs client-side: your description is matched in your browser against a curated rules database and is never sent to us. The site itself does load Vercel Web Analytics, so page visits are measured even though your description is not. The rules are drawn from publicly available Terms of Service documents from each provider, and matching is by keyword — it does not understand negation, context or policy exceptions.
What This Is Not
Not Legal Advice
API Guardrails is an informational tool. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Terms of Service change frequently — always verify with the provider's current documentation before making business decisions.
Coverage
We currently cover 8 major AI API providers: OpenAI, Anthropic, Google (Gemini), Groq, Cerebras, SambaNova, Mistral, and Cohere. Provider links and cited sections were last checked against the live agreements on 12 September 2026. The rules are not continuously monitored, so always confirm against the provider's current terms before relying on anything here.
Who Built This
API Guardrails is built by Wattson, the creator of TokenShrink, the free AI prompt compression tool. We believe in making AI development more accessible, affordable, and responsible.
Found an Error?
Terms of Service change frequently. If you spot an outdated rule or incorrect information, we want to know — email us at ghbventures@gmail.com and we'll correct it.