API Terms of Service

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using the InvestBuddy API (the "Service"), you agree to be bound by these API Terms of Service ("Terms"). If you do not agree to these Terms, you may not access or use the Service.

These Terms supplement and are in addition to our main Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

2. Service Description

The InvestBuddy API provides programmatic access to AI-powered stock predictions and portfolio analysis. Our service uses a validated LSTM (Long Short-Term Memory) neural network model with 55.41% OOS win rate in real backtesting (2022-2025, monthly rebalancing, 241 trades on 58 stocks).

3. API Access & Authentication

3.1 API Keys

You must authenticate all API requests using a valid API key. API keys are generated through:

• Web Dashboard: Generate keys at Settings → API Keys
• ChatGPT OAuth: Automatic key generation when installing the ChatGPT Action
• Claude Desktop: Manual configuration with generated key

3.2 Key Security

3.3 Key Management

You may create up to 10 active API keys per account. Keys can be revoked or deleted at any time through your dashboard. Revoked keys cannot be reactivated - you must generate a new key.

4. Rate Limits & Usage Tiers

4.1 Rate Limit Headers

All API responses include the following rate limit headers:

X-RateLimit-Limit: 100
X-RateLimit-Remaining: 87
X-RateLimit-Reset: 2025-12-14T00:00:00Z

4.2 Exceeding Rate Limits

Requests exceeding your tier's daily limit will receive a 429 Too Many Requests response. Limits reset daily at midnight UTC. Repeated abuse may result in account suspension.

5. Acceptable Use Policy

5.1 Permitted Uses

• Personal investment research and analysis
• Integration into educational platforms
• Building financial tools and applications
• Academic and research purposes
• Portfolio management and tracking

5.2 Prohibited Uses

5.3 Compliance

You are responsible for ensuring your use of the API complies with all applicable laws and regulations, including but not limited to securities laws, data protection laws, and financial services regulations in your jurisdiction.

6. Investment Disclaimers

6.1 Model Accuracy

While our LSTM model achieved 55.41% OOS win rate in walk-forward backtesting (2022-2025, 241 trades on 58 stocks with monthly rebalancing), this does not guarantee future performance. Market conditions change, and no prediction model is 100% accurate.

6.2 Investment Risks

All investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. You acknowledge that:

• Stock prices can fluctuate significantly
• Market conditions can change rapidly
• Predictions may be incorrect or outdated
• You bear full responsibility for your investment decisions

7. Data & Privacy

7.1 Data Collection

When you use the API, we collect and log:

• API endpoint accessed
• Request parameters (e.g., stock symbols)
• Response time and status code
• IP address and user agent
• Timestamp of each request

7.2 Data Retention

API usage logs are retained for 90 days for billing, analytics, and debugging purposes. After 90 days, detailed logs are automatically deleted. Aggregated statistics may be retained indefinitely.

7.3 Data Security

We employ industry-standard security measures to protect your data:

• API keys are hashed using bcrypt (never stored in plaintext)
• All API traffic is encrypted via HTTPS/TLS
• Database access is restricted and audited
• Regular security audits and penetration testing

7.4 GDPR Compliance

For users in the European Union, you have the right to:

• Access your API usage data
• Request deletion of your data
• Export your data in machine-readable format
• Object to automated decision-making

Contact support@investbuddy.ai to exercise these rights.

8. Limitation of Liability

8.1 Service Availability

The API is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind. We do not guarantee:

• Uninterrupted or error-free service
• Accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of data
• Fitness for a particular purpose
• Prevention of unauthorized access

8.2 Liability Cap

8.3 Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless InvestBuddy from any claims, damages, or expenses arising from:

• Your violation of these Terms
• Your misuse of the API
• Investment decisions based on API data
• Third-party claims related to your use of the API

9. Termination

9.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your API access at any time by:

• Revoking all API keys in your dashboard
• Canceling your subscription
• Deleting your account

9.2 Termination by Us

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your API access immediately if you:

• Violate these Terms or our Acceptable Use Policy
• Engage in fraudulent or illegal activities
• Fail to pay applicable fees
• Abuse or attempt to exploit the Service
• Pose a security risk to our systems or users

9.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your API keys will be immediately revoked
• All API requests will be denied
• Usage data may be retained per our retention policy
• Prepaid fees are non-refundable

10. Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. We will notify you of material changes via:

• Email to your registered address
• Notification in your dashboard
• Notice on this page

Continued use of the API after changes constitutes acceptance of the new Terms. If you do not agree to the updated Terms, you must stop using the API.