FAQ about updates to our Partner Program Agreement and API License and Terms of Use

On January 29, 2026, Shopify announced updates to our Partner Program Agreement and API License and Terms of Use. These updates, effective February 27, 2026, include terms that aim to clarify roles, improve data protection, and support the introduction of new features on our platform.

Here’s a summary of key updates taking effect February 27, 2026:

• Agentic commerce launch and expanded definitions: Shopify has updated and expanded several definitions in our terms and partner roles.
• Protection of merchant and customer data: Shopify has clarified restrictions relating to merchant and customer data usage.
• Additional Partner Program and API updates: Shopify has introduced updates that may affect partner roles, checkout, billing transparency, and payment apps.

Refer to the email sent to your business email for more information on these changes.

On this page, you can find answers to frequently asked questions related to these changes, and how they affect Partners and Developers.

Agentic changes for all App Developers

What are the new changes to support agentic commerce and who do they apply to?

Shopify has updated both the Partner Program Agreement and the API License & Terms of Use to support the launch of agentic commerce, including updates to clarify data protections and developer roles.

If you have created a partner account, you are bound by the terms of the Partner Program Agreement and any additional terms incorporated by reference. If you access the Shopify API, you are bound by the API License & Terms of Use. For your convenience, this document covers key changes and answers relevant to both agreements.

What do the new Merchant and Customer Data restrictions involve?

To protect merchants and customers, Shopify has clarified that Merchant Data and Customer Data (including derived or aggregated data) may not be used for development or training of AI or machine learning systems unless you have explicit written consent from Shopify (or from the merchant, for merchant-specific data).

The API terms also clarify existing scraping and mining restrictions.

Are there new partner roles or categories?

Yes. New partner types, such as Checkout Kit Developers and Platform Service Partners, have been added to the Partner Program Agreement and API Terms. These updates may affect your designation and which terms apply to your activities or services.

Does the definition of Shopify Checkout change?

Yes. “Shopify Checkout” now refers to the entire checkout experience, including Shop Pay, all checkouts processed via the Shopify Checkout API, and associated integration methods (such as pop-ups, iframes, and SDKs). Please review the updated rules if your app interacts with checkout.

Are there updates related to open source component usage?

Some API features may use open source software. When used as permitted under our terms, any open source components included in the Shopify API do not require you to disclose or open source your own proprietary code.

Note

The following sections apply only to users who have created a Partner account and are bound by the terms of the Partner Program Agreement.

Billing transparency requirements

What are the new billing transparency requirements for apps?

All apps must ensure transparent and fair pricing for merchants. We’ve updated our agreement to specify that this includes providing advance notice before adjusting any prices to allow merchants to make informed decisions.

Partners are responsible for understanding and complying with all applicable laws relating to pricing notifications and changes, including those specific to the regions where their merchants operate. Since requirements may vary by jurisdiction, we recommend consulting independent legal counsel if you’re unsure about your obligations.

Payment Program eligibility requirements

What are the updated eligibility requirements for apps in the Payment Program?

Payment apps are subject to periodic compliance reviews. Apps must meet the requirements of Shopify’s payment ecosystem; apps that do not comply may be removed from the Payment Program.

Wind-down requirements for payment apps

What are the new wind-down requirements when a payment app is removed?

All payment apps must support a wind-down period for users after an app is removed from Shopify’s platform. This helps merchants transition smoothly and maintain business continuity. All fees owed, inclusive of the annual program fees, if applicable, are owed to Shopify before successful removal from the program.