Fogos.pt API access — New rules and usage controls

Over the years, Fogos.pt has provided a public API widely used by many organisations and projects.

That openness has always been intentional and aligned with the project principles: open data, transparency and public utility.

However, significant growth in API usage — often without identification or controls — has created challenges for performance, stability and availability.

Cases of abusive use that consume resources disproportionately have also been identified.

Why is this changing now?

Fogos.pt's main goal remains: to provide reliable, up-to-date information that is accessible to all citizens.

To achieve that, it is essential to ensure infrastructure is not compromised by uncontrolled access.

These changes aim to ensure everyone can keep using the service in a stable and sustainable way.

What will change?

Soon, API access will be restricted to authorised users.

All API requests must meet the following:

Mandatory authentication via header:
```
FOGOS-PT-AUTH: {token}
```
Use of an individual token
An identifiable and specific User-Agent
Indication of the source IP whenever possible

Requests that do not meet these requirements may be limited or blocked.

How do I get access?

API access will depend on a formal request.

To request authorisation, please complete the form:

👉 Application form

Each request will be assessed based on:

Intended use
Request volume
Impact on infrastructure
Alignment with the project's goals

Principles of use

Do not compromise service availability
Avoid excessive or unnecessary load
Ensure requests are clearly identifiable
Responsible and ethical use of data

A commitment to the community

Fogos.pt will remain a project that is open, transparent and in service of society.

These measures are necessary so the platform can keep serving millions of users every year, especially at critical moments.

We count on everyone's cooperation to keep this service reliable, stable and sustainable.