diff --git a/roles/matrix-synapse/defaults/main.yml b/roles/matrix-synapse/defaults/main.yml
index c3e1eefd..838058ea 100644
--- a/roles/matrix-synapse/defaults/main.yml
+++ b/roles/matrix-synapse/defaults/main.yml
@@ -575,7 +575,7 @@ matrix_synapse_spam_checker: []
 
 matrix_synapse_modules: []
 
-matrix_synapse_encryption_enabled_by_default_for_room_type: false
+matrix_synapse_encryption_enabled_by_default_for_room_type: "off"
 
 matrix_synapse_trusted_key_servers:
   - server_name: "matrix.org"