Press Program
Free API Access for Investigative Journalists
Verifying whether a leaked PDF has been tampered with is a core part of document journalism. We offer free API access to editorial teams and fact-checkers — no payment, no quota pressure, full privacy.
What HTPBE Detects
HTPBE analyzes PDF metadata and internal structure to detect post-creation modifications: date mismatches between creation and modification timestamps, removed or invalidated digital signatures, incremental update chains that indicate layered edits, and tool fingerprints that reveal which software processed the file after the original was created. The analysis runs in seconds and returns a structured JSON result with a verdict, specific findings, and full metadata.
You can also verify individual documents for free, without an API key, via the web interface. The API is for teams that need to verify documents programmatically or in bulk.
Who Qualifies
The program is open to editorial professionals working with documents in the public interest.
Investigative Reporters
Staff journalists and contributors at registered editorial outlets — newspapers, magazines, digital newsrooms, and broadcasters.
Fact-Checking Organizations
Teams and NGOs whose primary mission is fact-checking public claims, government documents, or leaked materials.
Press Freedom NGOs
Organizations that support journalists in authoritarian environments or document human rights violations using leaked records.
What You Get
Approved applicants receive a dedicated API key equivalent to our Growth plan.
How to Apply
Manual review only — no automated signups. Typically 1–3 business days.
Send an email
Send us a message — or email with subject Journalist API Access Application. Include your name, outlet or affiliation, a brief description of how you plan to use the API, and a link to recent work (bylines, publication, or organization’s website).
We verify your credentials
We review the application manually — no automated approval. We may follow up with a question or two. We do not ask which story you are working on.
Receive your API key
Once approved, you receive a dedicated API key by email. Integrate it using our API documentation — the same as any standard key, no special configuration needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this really free, no strings attached?
Yes. No payment, no trial period. The program exists because independent verification of documents is critical to press freedom. We review eligibility manually to keep the program focused.
What counts as "investigative journalism"?
Reporters who regularly work with leaked or disputed documents — contracts, financial records, government filings, certificates. A byline history or editorial affiliation is sufficient. We don’t require you to disclose which story you’re working on.
Are my documents kept confidential?
Your API environment is completely isolated. Documents you submit are downloaded, analyzed, and discarded — we store only metadata (file size, modification dates, verdict, findings). No document content is retained. Your checks are never visible to other users or in public statistics.
I’m a freelance journalist with no staff affiliation. Can I still apply?
Yes. A verifiable publication history in recognized outlets is sufficient. Please include relevant bylines in your application email.
Can a whole newsroom apply, or is it per person?
One API key per editorial team or outlet. If your newsroom has multiple reporters who need access, mention it in the application — we can discuss a shared key with a higher limit.
About This Program
This program is operated independently, not as part of a larger foundation or press freedom initiative. It exists because document verification is a public good, and quota limits should not be a barrier for journalists working on stories that matter. If you have questions or want to discuss a specific use case, .