2 files changed, 7 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/changelog.d/13999.doc b/changelog.d/13999.doc
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..26538049e4
--- /dev/null
+++ b/changelog.d/13999.doc
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+Explain how to disable the use of `trusted_key_servers`.
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/docs/usage/configuration/config_documentation.md b/docs/usage/configuration/config_documentation.md
index fb5eb42c52..97fb505a5f 100644
--- a/docs/usage/configuration/config_documentation.md
+++ b/docs/usage/configuration/config_documentation.md
@@ -2681,6 +2681,12 @@ is still supported for backwards-compatibility, but it is deprecated.
 warning on start-up. To suppress this warning, set
 `suppress_key_server_warning` to true.
 
+If the use of a trusted key server has to be deactivated, e.g. in a private
+federation or for privacy reasons, this can be realised by setting
+an empty array (`trusted_key_servers: []`). Then Synapse will request the keys
+directly from the server that owns the keys. If Synapse does not get keys directly
+from the server, the events of this server will be rejected.
+
 Options for each entry in the list include:
 * `server_name`: the name of the server. Required.
 * `verify_keys`: an optional map from key id to base64-encoded public key.