diff --git a/plugin/backend_linux.go b/plugin/backend_linux.go
index 416edc3477..739f7b83cd 100644
--- a/plugin/backend_linux.go
+++ b/plugin/backend_linux.go
@@ -125,7 +125,7 @@ func computePrivileges(pd distribution.PullData) (types.PluginPrivileges, error)
 	}
 
 	var privileges types.PluginPrivileges
-	if c.Network.Type != "null" && c.Network.Type != "bridge" {
+	if c.Network.Type != "null" && c.Network.Type != "bridge" && c.Network.Type != "" {
 		privileges = append(privileges, types.PluginPrivilege{
 			Name:        "network",
 			Description: "permissions to access a network",