diff --git a/config-example.yml b/config-example.yml
index 9e228cd..c1aa299 100644
--- a/config-example.yml
+++ b/config-example.yml
@@ -308,7 +308,7 @@ allow_spotting: true
 # Allow upstream submission of spots to external providers (POTA, SOTA, etc.) via the API?
 # Requires allow_spotting to also be true. Set to false to only accept spots into the local
 # Spothole database, without forwarding them to any external service.
-allow_upstream_spotting: true
+allow_upstream_spotting: false
 
 # Google reCAPTCHA v2 keys for CAPTCHA protection on upstream spot submission. Both keys must be set to enable CAPTCHA.
 # Leave both empty to disable CAPTCHA (e.g. for a private/trusted server) or if allow_spotting is false, in which case