diff --git a/server/mergin/sync/public_api_controller.py b/server/mergin/sync/public_api_controller.py
index a0eff09e..68563779 100644
--- a/server/mergin/sync/public_api_controller.py
+++ b/server/mergin/sync/public_api_controller.py
@@ -222,7 +222,6 @@ def add_project(namespace):  # noqa: E501
             **request.json,
             creator=current_user,
             workspace=workspace,
-            public=request.json.get("public", False),
         )
         p.updated = datetime.utcnow()