Bubble.io Privacy Rules: The Complete Security Guide
Privacy rules are row-level security enforced on PostgreSQL before any data reaches the browser. Five patterns covering every use case, the three-part isolation test protocol, and why privacy rules are security — not just UI hiding.
Privacy Rules: The Most Important Security Feature in Bubble
Privacy rules are Bubble’s row-level security system. They control which users can find, view, edit, and delete records of each data type. They run server-side on Bubble’s PostgreSQL database before any data reaches the browser. A user blocked by a privacy rule cannot see the data through the UI, cannot find it through the API, and cannot access it by manipulating URL parameters.
Every Pattern You Will Ever Need
Pattern 1: Workspace Members Only (Most Common)
: Search for Memberships [
user = Current User, workspace = This Record’s workspace, status = Active
]:count > 0
Permissions
: Find ✓ View all fields ✓
Pattern 2: Admin and Owner Only
: Search for Memberships [
user = Current User, workspace = This Record’s workspace,
role is in [Owner, Admin], status = Active
]:count > 0
Permissions
: Find ✓ View ✓ Edit ✓
Pattern 3: Record Creator Only
: This Record’s created_by = Current User
Permissions
: Find ✓ View ✓ Edit ✓ Delete ✓
Pattern 4: Public (No Login Required)
: Everyone
Permissions
: Find ✓ View all fields ✓ Edit ✗ Delete ✗
Pattern 5: Append-Only Audit Log
: Active membership check (as Pattern 1)
Permissions
: Find ✓ View ✓ Create ✓ Edit ✗ Delete ✗
// Produces an architecturally immutable audit trail
How to Verify Your Privacy Rules Work
| Test | Expected Result | Failure Means |
|---|---|---|
| Page navigation: Log in as User A (Workspace A). Log in as User B (Workspace B) in another browser. Navigate every page as User B. | Zero records from Workspace A appear anywhere in User B’s session | Privacy rules missing or incorrect on one or more data types |
| Direct URL: Copy URL of a Workspace A record detail page. Paste into User B’s browser. | Page shows empty state or redirects | URL parameter-based access not properly restricted |
| API access: Using User B’s API token, call /api/1.1/obj/[type] | Only Workspace B records in response | Privacy rules not covering the Data API correctly |
Run the Isolation Test Before Every Deployment
The tenant isolation test takes less than five minutes. New features that add new data types or modify privacy rules can break isolation. Running this test before every production deployment catches regressions before they affect real customers.
Build Your Bubble.io App With Expert Help
Pakistan’s leading Bubble.io development team. Multi-tenant SaaS architecture, Stripe billing, and full product builds done right from day one.
