Mailchimp Cuts Shopify Integration Over Data Security Issues

Mailchimp has killed its integration with Shopify over concerns regarding data security, the firm announced on Friday.

In an online post, Mailchimp says: “Yesterday, we asked Shopify to remove the Mailchimp for Shopify integration from their marketplace.”

The post cites updated terms on the part of Shopify that “would negatively impact our business and put our users at risk.” 

Mailchimp has asked Shopify to leave the integration in place for existing connected users through May 12, “when the data sharing provisions of Shopify’s new terms take effect.”

The move reflects apparent frustration over the new terms.

“For months, we’ve been trying to work with Shopify on terms that would be fair and equitable for both of our businesses,” Mailchimp states.

It adds: “Throughout these negotiations, we refused to agree to terms that jeopardize our users’ privacy and require us to hand over customer data acquired outside of Shopify. From our perspective, that's not our data to share.”

Shopify responds in a post: “Over the past 18 months, Shopify has had growing concerns about Mailchimp’s app because of the poor merchant experience and their refusal to respect our Partner Program Agreement. Our terms require app partners to share all important data back to the merchant using Shopify’s API to help them run their businesses.”

But Mailchimp charges that the new terms “make it clear that Shopify wants to control which providers their partners work with and how they conduct their business.”

It continues: “We believe small businesses are best served when they can choose which technology they use to run their businesses, which is why Mailchimp integrates with more than 150 different apps and platforms. We won't compromise on that just because Shopify sees it as a competitive threat.”

Shopify argues: “It’s critical for our merchants to have accurate, complete insight into their businesses and customers, and this isn’t possible when Mailchimp locks in their data. Specifically, Mailchimp refuses to synchronize customer information captured on merchants’ online stores and email opt-out preferences. As a result, our merchants, other apps, and partner ecosystem can’t reliably serve their customers or comply with privacy legislation.”

In addition, Shopify states: “Effective today, the Mailchimp app is no longer available in the Shopify App Store. There are no immediate changes for merchants currently using Mailchimp, and we offer many other incredible email marketing apps."

Once known mainly as an email service vendor, Mailchimp has evolved into an omnichannel provider.

 

1 comment about "Mailchimp Cuts Shopify Integration Over Data Security Issues".
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  1. Evaldas Mockus from SEOPLIUS, March 23, 2019 at 4:10 a.m.

    I guess the easiest option is to switch to Omnisend, they have the same integrations and you can use them for free.
    They are also offering 30% off for 3 months: OMNI30X3

    Here's more info: 

    https://www.omnisend.com/blog/mailchimp-shopify/

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