diff --git a/.env.sample b/.env.sample
index e01aad3..e28aa04 100644
--- a/.env.sample
+++ b/.env.sample
@@ -11,6 +11,8 @@ MEDIAWIKI_EMAIL_CONTACT="info@wiki.example.com"
 MEDIAWIKI_EMAIL_FROM="wiki@wiki.example.com"
 MEDIAWIKI_LOGO_FILE='$wgResourceBasePath/resources/assets/wiki.png'
 
+MEDIAWIKI_IS_PRIVATE=1
+
 ## SMTP
 #SMTP_HOST=postfix_relay_app
 #SMTP_HOST=mailu_front
diff --git a/LocalSettings.php.tmpl b/LocalSettings.php.tmpl
index 45c4e95..b85d9cc 100644
--- a/LocalSettings.php.tmpl
+++ b/LocalSettings.php.tmpl
@@ -120,7 +120,11 @@ $wgDiff3 = "/usr/bin/diff3";
 # The following permissions were set based on your choice in the installer
 $wgGroupPermissions['*']['createaccount'] = false;
 $wgGroupPermissions['*']['edit'] = false;
+{{ if eq (env "MEDIAWIKI_IS_PRIVATE") "1" }}
 $wgGroupPermissions['*']['read'] = false;
+{{ else }}
+$wgGroupPermissions['*']['read'] = true;
+{{ end }}
 
 ## Default skin: you can change the default skin. Use the internal symbolic
 ## names, ie 'vector', 'monobook':