diff --git a/keyserver/src/fetchers/user-fetchers.js b/keyserver/src/fetchers/user-fetchers.js
--- a/keyserver/src/fetchers/user-fetchers.js
+++ b/keyserver/src/fetchers/user-fetchers.js
@@ -247,7 +247,7 @@
   const shouldIncludeAvatar = hasMinCodeVersion(viewer.platformDetails, 1000);
 
   if (shouldIncludeAvatar && avatar) {
-    loggedInUserInfo = { ...loggedInUserInfo, avatar };
+    loggedInUserInfo = { ...loggedInUserInfo, avatar: JSON.parse(avatar) };
   }
 
   const featureGateSettings = !hasMinCodeVersion(viewer.platformDetails, 1000);