A set of protocols and tools for building software and applications. An API defines the way that different software components should interact, allowing for communication and data exchange between them. APIs provide a standard way for applications to request services from a system or software library, making it easier for developers to build new products and services using existing functionality.
Some potential privacy risks related to APIs are due to the fact that they allow data exchange between applications. Through APIs it is possible to collect browsing history and other sensitive information.
p. 20Further reading
Bloch, J., 2006. How to design a good API and why it matters. In: Companion to the 21st ACM SIGPLAN Symposium on Object-Oriented Programming Systems, Languages, and Applications, New York: ACM, 506–7. https://doi.org/10.1145/1176617.1176622.
Sharon, T., 2021. Blind-sided by privacy? Digital contact tracing, the Apple/Google API and big tech’s newfound role as global health policy makers. Ethics and Information Technology, 23, 45–57. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10676-020-09547-x.
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Bloch, J., 2006. How to design a good API and why it matters. In: Companion to the 21st ACM SIGPLAN Symposium on Object-Oriented Programming Systems, Languages, and Applications, New York: ACM, 506–7. https://doi.org/10.1145/1176617.1176622.
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Sharon, T., 2021. Blind-sided by privacy? Digital contact tracing, the Apple/Google API and big tech’s newfound role as global health policy makers. Ethics and Information Technology, 23, 45–57. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10676-020-09547-x.
