diff --git a/roles/custom/matrix-bridge-rustpush/defaults/main.yml b/roles/custom/matrix-bridge-rustpush/defaults/main.yml
index aaddae144..5c324b9dd 100644
--- a/roles/custom/matrix-bridge-rustpush/defaults/main.yml
+++ b/roles/custom/matrix-bridge-rustpush/defaults/main.yml
@@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ matrix_rustpush_bridge_homeserver_token: ''
 
 # Whether or not created rooms should have federation enabled.
 # If false, created portal rooms will never be federated.
-matrix_rustpush_bridge_matrix_federate_rooms: true
+matrix_rustpush_bridge_matrix_federate_rooms: false
 
 # Database-related configuration fields.
 #