OpenSanctions vs Shields
Same instrument, two spec sheets — measured, not claimed.
OpenSanctions vs Shields: common questions
Which is more reliable, OpenSanctions or Shields?
On our scheduled checks, Shields leads on measured uptime — OpenSanctions at —% versus Shields at —% over 90 days. These are our own probe results, not provider claims; the uptime bars above show the day-by-day record for both.
Do OpenSanctions and Shields need an API key?
Neither needs a paid key — OpenSanctions is callable with no signup, and Shields is callable with no signup. Both are quick to prototype with; rate limits still apply.
Can I call OpenSanctions and Shields from the browser?
Yes — both OpenSanctions and Shields send CORS headers over HTTPS, so front-end code can fetch either directly with no backend proxy. That makes them easy to swap in a client-side app while you compare responses.
Are OpenSanctions and Shields free for commercial use?
OpenSanctions has unclear commercial terms, and Shields has unclear commercial terms. We track service terms and the data license as separate fields — see the Commercial use and Data license rows above, and confirm both before shipping either in a paid product.