diff --git a/classes/webservice.php b/classes/webservice.php
index 7b22346a..e2528bca 100644
--- a/classes/webservice.php
+++ b/classes/webservice.php
@@ -473,7 +473,7 @@ private function get_least_recently_active_paid_user_id() {
                 continue;
             }
             // Skip the protected group.
-            if (!empty($this->protectedgroups) && array_intersect($this->protectedgroups, $user->group_ids ?? [])) {
+            if (!empty($this->protectedgroups) && !empty(array_intersect($this->protectedgroups, $user->group_ids ?? []))) {
                 continue;
             }
             // We need the login time.