diff --git a/mods/default/functions.lua b/mods/default/functions.lua
index ef02d8b7..d65a66e3 100644
--- a/mods/default/functions.lua
+++ b/mods/default/functions.lua
@@ -677,7 +677,7 @@ function default.can_interact_with_node(player, pos)
 	end
 
 	-- Interaction with owned node
-	if prot = "" and (owner == "" or owner == player_name) then
+	if prot == "" and (owner == "" or owner == player_name) then
 		return true
 	end