Shopify's New AI Data Rules: What Partners Need to Know Before Feb 27

TL;DR: Shopify is tightening how partners can use merchant data for AI. Changes go live Feb 27, 2026. Here's what you need to do.

What's Changing?

Shopify just announced significant updates to its Partner Program Agreement and API Terms of Service, effective February 27, 2026.

The biggest change? Stricter rules around AI and machine learning.

The New Rules

1. No AI Training Without Consent - You can no longer use merchant or customer data to train AI/ML models without explicit written consent from merchants.
2. New Partner Roles - Shopify is introducing clearer role definitions for partners, affecting how you access certain APIs.
3. Enhanced Billing Transparency - Changes to how billing works for partner services.

Why This Matters

If you're building Shopify apps that use AI features (product recommendations, chatbots, analytics, etc.), you need to audit your data practices NOW.

Questions to ask yourself:

• Are you using any merchant data to train models?
• Do you have explicit consent documented?
• Are your AI features compliant with the new terms?

What You Need to Do

Before Feb 27:

1. Review the updated PPA at help.shopify.com/en/partners/help-support/faq/ppa
2. Audit your AI features - Document what data you're using and how
3. Get consent - If you're training on merchant data, get it in writing
4. Update your privacy policy - Be transparent about AI usage

If You're Non-Compliant:

Shopify hasn't been specific about enforcement, but historically they've removed apps that violate terms. Don't risk your app getting pulled.

The Bigger Picture

This move comes amid broader concerns about AI and data privacy. With Shopify stock down 24% over 90 days partly due to "AI jitters," the company is clearly positioning itself as merchant-first when it comes to data protection.

Expect more platforms to follow suit.

My Take

As someone who builds Shopify apps daily, I see this as a positive move for the ecosystem. It forces us to be more thoughtful about AI implementation and builds trust with merchants.

Yes, it's more work. But it's the right kind of work.

Need help auditing your Shopify app for compliance? Get in touch at /contact