CoWIN allows only 20 searches within 15 minutes; over use may lead to 24 hours ban

The Central Government has announced a big update regarding corrections and edits in incorrect mention of the name, gender and birth year on vaccine certificate via the CoWIN Website. Meanwhile, for users who are still looking for vaccinations need to know about the new Terms and Conditions. Recent updates in the website suggests that users can face blockings and bans from CoWIN in case of misuse of the platform. While some of these terms, like over searching repeatedly, etc may qualify as bot, others are more general and aim to prevent the misuse and hoarding of vaccine availability.

Here is why CoWIN might block an account.

“We are allowing 20 searches within 15 minutes. Overuse of search can lead to 24 hours ban for your account. Refer to our terms of service for more information,” the website reads. After 20 searches, it also logs you out automatically. But the ban's not limited to blocking users out after 20 searches only. If a user asks for more than 1,000 requests of the site (50 times 20 per 15 mins), the website may block you for 24 hours.

Repeated bans may lead to permanent blocking. Further, users cannot make requests to the server more than once during any three-second interval. This includes access, reload, or refresh transactional event or schedule appointment pages. Additionally, if a user opens multiple accounts with multiple mobile numbers, they may face restrictions, or ban.

Read More: Top 12 Covid-19 Vaccine Finder Platforms To Book A Slot

“Our Privacy Policy, Open API Policy and any other policies, rules or guidelines that may be applicable to particular offers or features on the Site are also incorporated into these Terms,” the website adds. CoWIN may also block you if you try to access the website from outside India, say using a VPN Service. “The Site is directed to people residing in India,” the privacy terms state. “We do not represent that Content available on or through the Site is appropriate or available in other locations. We may limit the availability of the Site or any service or product described on the Site to any person or geographic area at any time.”

Lastly, the CoWIN Website will also ban those numbers for 24 hours who generate over 50 OTPs in a day.