diff --git a/settings.lua b/settings.lua
index ffb5355..6a11e67 100644
--- a/settings.lua
+++ b/settings.lua
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ setting("string", "filename", world_path.."/areas.dat")
 
 -- Allow players with a privilege create their own areas
 -- within the maximum size and number.
-setting("boolean",  "self_protection", false)
+setting("boolean",  "self_protection", true)
 setting("string",   "self_protection_privilege", "interact")
 setting("position", "self_protection_max_size",      {x=64,  y=128, z=64})
 setting("number",   "self_protection_max_areas",      4)
@@ -40,4 +40,3 @@ setting("number",   "self_protection_max_areas_high", 32)
 
 -- legacy_table (owner_defs) compatibility.  Untested and has known issues.
 setting("boolean", "legacy_table", false)
-