---
title: Public access for app owned metafields and metaobjects is now disabled - Shopify developer changelog
description: Shopify’s developer changelog documents all changes to Shopify’s platform. Find the latest news and learn about new platform opportunities.
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  html: https://shopify.dev/changelog/public-access-for-app-owned-metafields-and-metaobjects-is-now-disabled
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---

[Back to Developer changelog](https://shopify.dev/changelog)

May 19, 2025

Tags:

* Action Required
* Admin GraphQL API

# Public access for app owned metafields and metaobjects is now disabled

In line with last year's [announcement](https://shopify.dev/changelog/simplifying-how-metafield-and-metaobject-permissions-work) regarding metafields access simplification, we are now implementing the removal of `PUBLIC` access for app-owned metafields and metaobjects.

The following updates have been applied across all API versions:

1. Metafields and metaobjects previously set to `PUBLIC_READ_WRITE` are now set to `MERCHANT_READ_WRITE`.
2. Metafields and metaobjects previously set to `PUBLIC_READ` are now set to `MERCHANT_READ`.

**Required Action**: If your app needs metafields or metaobjects to be accessible by other apps, you must migrate them to a custom namespace rather than using your app's reserved namespace. A custom namespace allows for broader access options, while a reserved namespace is specific to your app.