diff --git a/webapp/src/Controller/PublicController.php b/webapp/src/Controller/PublicController.php
index f507a3e5f2..d9ee48b02c 100644
--- a/webapp/src/Controller/PublicController.php
+++ b/webapp/src/Controller/PublicController.php
@@ -369,7 +369,7 @@ public function submissionsDataAction(Request $request, ?string $teamId, ?string
             }
         }
 
-        $verificationRequired = $this->config->get('verification_required');
+        $verificationRequired = (bool)$this->config->get('verification_required');
 
         foreach ($submissions as $submission) {
             $teamKey = 'team-' . $submission->getTeam()->getExternalid();