diff --git a/setup/so-setup b/setup/so-setup
index 72cd555d6..4886d56ed 100755
--- a/setup/so-setup
+++ b/setup/so-setup
@@ -223,6 +223,8 @@ if [ -n "$test_profile" ]; then
 	WEBPASSWD1=0n10nus3r
 	WEBPASSWD2=0n10nus3r
 	NODE_DESCRIPTION="${HOSTNAME} - ${install_type} - ${MSRVIP_OFFSET}"
+	# opt out of telemetry for automated testing
+	telemetry=1
 
 	update_sudoers_for_testing
 fi