Is ArcGIS Online requiring users to sign in to access publicly shared content?

[JoseBarrios1]

Hello everyone!

Does anyone know if AGOL requires users to sign in to download content, even if the items (apps and layers) are publicly shared? I am using Experience Builder, and when users view details on the Layer List widget, it redirects to the AGOL item page. However, the option to download the content is only available after signing in. Is this a policy or a specific setting in AGOL? 

Thanks,

JB

[clt_cabq · Accepted solution]

Usually downloads from the item's overview page create a downloadable file that goes in your 'my content' folder in AGOL, so really, not only do you have to have a login to download this way, you have to have a user type that allows you to have content - so viewers, contributors, and mobile worker type accounts won't be able to download, just creators. There are other ways probably to do allow people to download content but I think that usually involves sharing to a hub site. This is an unfortunate limitation that AGOL seems to impose, rather than give the user an option of downloading to a local directory. Hopefully there's a different and easily achieved approach that I'm just missing.

[JoseBarrios1]

Hi clt_cabq,

Thank you for the clarification, though it's disappointing to hear. This limitation undermines the purpose of sharing data publicly and restricts AGOL's potential to foster collaboration in community-driven projects. Requiring specific user types for download access significantly limits inclusivity, particularly for contributors and viewers. It's unfortunate that AGOL imposes this restriction instead of offering more flexible options like direct local downloads. Hopefully, a future solution will allow broader access for better collaboration.

Thanks,

JB

[clt_cabq]

I've always felt similar, but to be frank, I don't often work in systems where I am creating and sharing public data. ESRI does have mechanisms for this kind of need, you just have to find the correct, best way for your use case. If you are in a position to, I'd recommend reaching out to your org's esri rep and talk to them about the right approaches to support your needs.