Federal Register Directs Automated Users to APIs

Automated access limits

FederalRegister.gov is limiting programmatic access after what it describes as aggressive automated collection from its website and eCFR.gov. The site directs developers and other automated users to its official application programming interfaces, or APIs, which allow computer systems to retrieve government records in a structured way.

Visitors whose requests are flagged as potentially automated may encounter an access page requiring a CAPTCHA, a test intended to distinguish people from automated systems. After completing the test, a visitor can request access. The site says people may occasionally be asked to complete the test again as part of its security controls.

The page identifies itself as part of an official United States government website. It links users to API documentation for FederalRegister.gov and eCFR.gov but does not set out a plan for routing those services through America.gov.

Help for affected visitors

People experiencing CAPTCHA problems can use the site’s help feature. The same channel can be used to request access for a wider range of internet addresses, which may matter to organizations whose users share a network.

The help form asks for a name, email address and description of the problem. It also allows an attachment and requires the person submitting it to confirm that the request concerns technical assistance.

The Federal Register warns users not to include confidential information or personal data in the form. The access page does not announce changes to the underlying Federal Register or eCFR records; its stated changes concern how visitors and automated tools reach the websites.