diff --git a/ckan/logic/validators.py b/ckan/logic/validators.py
index fab4a68d946..977fd80fb19 100644
--- a/ckan/logic/validators.py
+++ b/ckan/logic/validators.py
@@ -699,10 +699,10 @@ def datasets_with_no_organization_cannot_be_private(key, data, errors,
 
     check_passed = True
 
-    if not dataset_id and private and owner_org is None:
+    if not dataset_id and private and not owner_org:
         # When creating a dataset, enforce it directly
         check_passed = False
-    elif dataset_id and private and owner_org is None:
+    elif dataset_id and private and not owner_org:
         # Check if the dataset actually has an owner_org, even if not provided
         try:
             dataset_dict = logic.get_action('package_show')({},