1. Purpose
This document outlines the security measures and integration policies for Canuckduck’s API. It ensures secure, controlled access to external services while protecting user data and maintaining system integrity.
2. Core Security Principles
- Authentication & Authorization – All API access must be authenticated and follow role-based authorization.
- Minimal Data Exposure – APIs only expose necessary data; sensitive information remains inaccessible.
- Rate Limiting & Abuse Prevention – To prevent denial-of-service (DoS) attacks and overuse.
- Logging & Monitoring – All API activity is logged for security auditing.
- Zero Trust Model – External integrations are granted access only on a need-to-know basis.
3. API Authentication & Access Control
- OAuth 2.0 / API Key Authentication – External services must authenticate using OAuth tokens or API keys.
- Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) – API permissions are assigned based on the requesting entity’s role.
- Token Expiry & Rotation – API tokens have expiration times and require periodic renewal.
- IP Whitelisting (Optional) – Restricts API access to approved IP addresses for high-security integrations.
4. Data Exposure & Privacy Policies
- Anonymized Data Sharing – No personally identifiable information (PII) is exposed.
- Limited Access to Voting Data – Consensus results can be retrieved in aggregate but individual votes remain private.
- Read-Only vs. Write Access – Most external integrations are read-only; write permissions require explicit approval.
- Data Retention Policies – API-accessible data follows Canuckduck’s privacy policies and retention rules.
5. Rate Limiting & Abuse Protection
- Per-User & Per-IP Rate Limits – To prevent overuse, API calls are restricted per user/IP per time period.
- Abuse Detection & Auto-Blocking – Suspicious activity (e.g., repeated failed authentication) triggers automatic blocking.
- DDOS Mitigation – APIs are monitored for abnormal traffic patterns to prevent distributed denial-of-service attacks.
6. External Integrations & Use Cases
Canuckduck’s API is designed to allow trusted third parties to interact with the platform securely.
Permitted Integrations:
Municipal & Provincial Government Systems – Access to anonymized public sentiment data for governance insights.
Academic Research & Policy Institutions – Secure data-sharing for civic engagement analysis.
Educational Platforms – Integration with schools/universities for student participation in governance discussions.
Transparency & Audit Tools – Read-access APIs for third-party audits and public trust mechanisms.
Restricted or Prohibited Integrations:
Social Media Platforms – No direct integration with Facebook, Twitter, or other platforms to prevent misinformation loops.
Advertising & Marketing Firms – No access to user data for commercial or targeting purposes.
Third-Party Political Organizations – To prevent bias, lobbying influence, or misuse of data for campaign purposes.
7. Logging, Monitoring & Security Audits
- API Calls Logged – All API interactions are stored and monitored for suspicious activity.
- Real-Time Security Alerts – Anomalous behavior triggers admin alerts for manual review.
- Quarterly Security Audits – Regular reviews to ensure compliance with best security practices.
8. Future Enhancements & Considerations
- Zero Trust API Gateway – Implementing an additional layer of API security to validate requests dynamically.
- Federated Identity Support – Allowing verified government or institutional credentials for enhanced authentication.
- Encrypted Payloads – Ensuring all transmitted data is end-to-end encrypted.
9. Conclusion
Canuckduck’s API is designed for secure, controlled interactions, balancing data openness with privacy and security. By maintaining strict authentication, controlled exposure, and active monitoring, Canuckduck ensures trusted and responsible external integrations.