Macro Security appears to be broken when docs are opened programmatically

Is anyone else experiencing this problem? It seems that when opening Word and Excel documents programmatically via the application object, macro security is bypassed. Its as though the security settings do not exist.  E.g. create a Word dotm file or a DOC file with an AutoOpen macro. Set security to the highest level (disable without notification) then programmatically open the document. the macro runs. It happens in semi-annual channel 32 bit and 64 bit and both Win 10 and Win 11, Word and Excel.  It cannot just a vba bug because we are also experiencing it with iManage documents when the opening is initiated from within the application. If anyone knows of a solution for this problem, your sharing would be very much appreciated.