API Terms of Service

1. Scope

These terms govern the use of the HiCellTek IMEI/TAC API ("the API") provided by HiCellTek (Entreprise individuelle), Antony, France. By requesting an API key, you accept these terms in full.

2. API Key and Authentication

Each API key is personal, non-transferable, and tied to a single account. You are responsible for keeping your key confidential. Sharing API keys with third parties is prohibited. If you suspect your key has been compromised, regenerate it immediately via the dashboard.

3. Acceptable Use

You may use the API to look up device information (brand, model, specifications) from TAC or IMEI identifiers for lawful purposes. The following uses are prohibited:

• Systematic scraping or harvesting of the database
• Sequential enumeration of TAC codes
• Redistributing, reselling, or sublicensing API responses
• Caching responses beyond the TTL specified in your plan
• Circumventing rate limits or authentication controls
• Using the API to facilitate illegal activities

4. Rate Limits and Quotas

Each plan has a monthly and daily request quota. Exceeding your quota will result in HTTP 429 responses until the next reset. Quotas reset on the 1st of each month (monthly) and at midnight UTC (daily). Unused quota does not carry over.

5. Data Ownership

The HiCellTek device database is a protected compilation under EU Directive 96/9/EC. API responses remain the intellectual property of HiCellTek. You may use the data within your application but you may not redistribute the raw data or build a competing database from API responses.

6. Privacy and GDPR

TAC lookups (first 8 digits) do not constitute personal data. Full IMEI lookups are processed without storing the complete IMEI. IP addresses are hashed before logging. The API is hosted in the European Union. For details, see our Privacy Policy.

7. Service Level

HiCellTek aims for 99.9% API uptime. Free and Starter plans have no SLA guarantee. Pro and Business plans include email support with response times specified in the plan description. HiCellTek may perform maintenance with reasonable notice.

8. Suspension and Termination

HiCellTek reserves the right to suspend or revoke API keys that violate these terms, exhibit abuse patterns (scraping, key sharing, redistribution), or pose a risk to service stability. In case of suspension, you will be notified by email with the reason.

9. Limitation of Liability

The API is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind. HiCellTek is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from API use. Maximum liability is limited to the fees paid by you in the 12 months preceding the claim.

10. Modifications

HiCellTek may update these terms with 30 days notice. Continued use after the notice period constitutes acceptance. Material changes will be communicated via email to all active API key holders.

11. Governing Law

These terms are governed by French law. Any dispute shall be submitted to the competent courts of Paris, France.