diff --git a/ext/private_image/main.php b/ext/private_image/main.php
index a0768dd2..9cc05a2e 100644
--- a/ext/private_image/main.php
+++ b/ext/private_image/main.php
@@ -228,8 +228,8 @@ class PrivateImage extends Extension
 
     public function onImageAddition(ImageAdditionEvent $event)
     {
-        global $user_config;
-        if ($user_config->get_bool(PrivateImageConfig::USER_SET_DEFAULT)) {
+        global $user, $user_config;
+        if ($user_config->get_bool(PrivateImageConfig::USER_SET_DEFAULT) && $user->can(Permissions::SET_PRIVATE_IMAGE)) {
             self::privatize_image($event->image->id);
         }
     }