diff --git a/backend/src/server.js b/backend/src/server.js
index 86cc2a753..d0b205035 100644
--- a/backend/src/server.js
+++ b/backend/src/server.js
@@ -85,7 +85,9 @@ const createServer = (options) => {
   // TODO: this exception is required for the graphql playground, since the playground loads external resources
   // See: https://github.com/graphql/graphql-playground/issues/1283
   app.use(
-    helmet(CONFIG.DEBUG && { contentSecurityPolicy: false, crossOriginEmbedderPolicy: false }),
+    helmet(
+      (CONFIG.DEBUG && { contentSecurityPolicy: false, crossOriginEmbedderPolicy: false }) || {},
+    ),
   )
   app.use('/.well-known/', webfinger())
   app.use(express.static('public'))