diff --git a/endpoints/verbs.py b/endpoints/verbs.py
index 4a0c6edf5..a2c330af6 100644
--- a/endpoints/verbs.py
+++ b/endpoints/verbs.py
@@ -304,7 +304,7 @@ def get_tag_torrent(namespace, repo_name, digest):
     abort(403)
 
   user = get_authenticated_user()
-  if user is None:
+  if user is None and not public_repo:
     abort(403)
 
   try: