diff --git a/backend/src/ws.ts b/backend/src/ws.ts
index c127842..2a14ad5 100644
--- a/backend/src/ws.ts
+++ b/backend/src/ws.ts
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ export function setupWebSocket(app: FastifyInstance) {
 
           const { rows: [chat] } = await pool.query('SELECT type FROM chats WHERE id = $1', [payload.chatId]);
           if (chat.type === 'channel' && !['owner', 'admin'].includes(member.role)) return;
-          if (!member.can_send_messages && member.role === 'member') return;
+          if (member.can_send_messages === false && member.role === 'member') return;
 
           const { rows: [msg] } = await pool.query(
             `INSERT INTO messages (chat_id, sender_id, content, type, reply_to_id)