> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://frameworks.greendealdata.eu/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://frameworks.greendealdata.eu/governnace-frameworks/gdds-rulebook/data-sovereignty-and-technical-governance/5.-governance-of-apis-connectors-and-interoperability-components.md).

# 5. Governance of APIs, connectors, and interoperability components

## Rule 

Data in the GDDS is exchanged through governed interfaces. Providers are expected to expose data access via standard, governed interfaces (e.g. APIs and connectors) rather than ad hoc channels, so that access control, usage-policy enforcement, and traceability apply consistently across the data space. 

## Procedure (to be developed) 

This subsection will set out the governance expectations for interoperability components — which interface standards are required or recommended, the conformance expected of connectors and APIs participating in the data space, and how these expectations relate to the certified-role requirements in the Conformity Framework. The technical specifications for connectors, APIs, and exchange protocols are described in the Technical Framework (see [Data Interoperability — Data Exchange). ](/11-data-interoperability/data-exchange.md)

Connectors participating in the GDDS are expected to support the data space's trust and exchange mechanisms: the Decentralised Claims Protocol and Verifiable Credentials for machine-to-machine trust and credential exchange between components, and evaluation of delegation evidence for authorisation at the point of exchange. Conformance of connectors and other interoperability components links to the certified-role requirements in the Conformity Framework & Governance Enforcement. Deployment of a compliant connector is supported by the Infrastructure Manager, a value-added service provided to lower the technical barrier to participation.  

These mechanisms and components are specified in the Technical Framework (see Data Interoperability — Data Exchange; and Data Sovereignty and Trust) and, for the Infrastructure Manager, in Data Value Creation Enablers — Value creation services. 

*Source: D3.1 GDDS first version report (WP3), §2.2 (connectors, DCP/VCs) and §4 (Infrastructure Manager), Working Group 3.* 

{% hint style="warning" %}
 *Note (content gap — to be developed):  (a) the governance requirement to expose data via standard, governed interfaces, and any mandatory vs. recommended interface standards; (b) conformance expectations for connectors and APIs and how they link to the Certified-role conformity assessment in the Conformity Framework; (c) event-based notification expectations from providers upon relevant operational events; and (d) the division of responsibility between participant, GDDS Operator, and Intermediaries for interface operation. Owner: WP4, with WP3, WP2 for technical alignment.*
{% endhint %}