FAQ about updates to our Partner Program Agreement - August 2023
On Thursday, July 27, 2023, Shopify sent a summary of upcoming updates to our Partner Program Agreement ("PPA") and our API License and Terms of Use. These updates will come into effect on Monday, August 28, 2023, and include changes that clarify a Partner’s responsibility to sync back order data when any type of data is taken off of Shopify and facilitates an order, as well as other important updates.
The following are some frequently asked questions related to these changes, and how they affect Partners and developers.
On this page
Why is Shopify introducing new terms?
We're updating our Partner Program Agreement and our API License and Terms of Use to support the growth of Shopify Partners and developers, while maintaining the security and integrity of products and services offered on or through our platform.
Partner action requirements for syncing order data
When do I need to sync order data back to the Shopify admin?
Apps that sync data off of Shopify to facilitate an order on another platform or marketplace are required to sync back all relevant Order data and the applicable customer data related to an order as set out in Section 2.2.23 of the API License and Terms of Use.
If your app transfers data to a different platform but not for the purpose of facilitating an order transaction, syncing order data back to the Shopify Admin is not required. For clarity, this would extend to apps that fulfill an order but do not facilitate the order transaction itself.
What APIs do I need to use to sync back Order data?
You will need to use the Orders API to sync back order and buyer data. Mutations that focus on other resources might also impact the Order resource; you should review all of the instances where your app interacts with orders to ensure that the appropriate data is being automatically synced to Shopify.
Do I need merchant consent to sync this data back to Shopify?
Yes, Partners are required to obtain effective consent before transferring independently collected merchant data to Shopify.
Keyword campaign requirements
When do I need to add "Shopify" as a negative keyword?
In certain instances, advertising campaigns that use pay-per-click keywords or are promoted through a search engine, might contain phrases that cause you to be in violation of Shopify’s prohibition on purchasing pay-per-click keywords containing the Shopify trademarks. In such instances, you need to add "Shopify" as a negative or restricted keyword to stay in compliance with the Partner Program Agreement.
When can I use Shopify trademarks in advertising?
You can use the Shopify trademarks in advertising if you've received written permission by Shopify in advance of each use.
Account integrity and verification requirements
I have staff accounts that don't have proper legal names. What should I do?
Complete the following steps to change the first and last name on your Shopify account:
- Log in to the Partner Dashboard.
- In the navigation bar, click your username and account picture.
- Select Your profile.
- Update your first and last name to match your proper legal name.
- Click Save.
Why do I have to enable multifactor authentication on my identity accounts?
Multifactor authentication provides a more secure login process and extra security in case anyone other than you attempts to log in to your Shopify admin using your account. Shopify recommends enabling multifactor authentication on your account as a security best practice.
Deprecation of private apps
I used to have private apps. Does this change affect me?
Any app that was previously created as a private app was automatically converted to a custom app in the Shopify admin on January 19th, 2023. This change doesn't affect the functionality of your app, and no further action is required.