Richard Stallman calls Ubuntu ?spyware? because it tracks searches

[danrok]

Free Software Foundation President Richard Stallman today called Ubuntu Linux "spyware" because the operating system sends data to Ubuntu maker Canonical when a user searches the desktop.

But his complaint is already falling on deaf ears?Canonical said today that it plans to increase use of the feature Stallman objects to in order to deliver expanded Internet search results in the next version of Ubuntu.

Story here: Richard Stallman calls Ubuntu “spyware” because it tracks searches | Ars Technica

[Daniel ~]

Just WOW! That's a lot to take in...

As I definitely think that the use of proprietary drivers (AMD, Nvidia)
is a must for Linux development as a desktop, I can't say that I'm firmly in the Stallman camp on this.

That said...WOW! talk about subverting Free linux! It's not free if I have to trade information to get it.

I do think that a default of OFF would be sufficient if the switch were properly explained to the user.

So for this to be "OK" with me....

1. the default of the switch must be off.

2. A warning must accompany it being turned on by the user. That FULLY explains it's function.

3. The user must be able to turn it OFF again, anytime at will.

4. Ubuntu should stop doing semi-secret stuff to us!!

5. Ubuntu! Remember what brought you here!! Remember the service you have given us and listen when we tell you you've gone wrong.

You have Millions of friends, don't turn us into customers and clients.

[Gizmo]

I think Stallman's view is too far toward the 'nanny state'. Treat us like adults; tell us honestly and in plain language what the switch does, but default it to off. Then if we think the benefits are worth it, we can turn the switch on.

Alternatively, default it to on but again, tell us plainly that it IS on and WHY it's on, and let us decide if we want to turn it off.

Linux is about CHOICE, that's what the whole FOSS movement is about. Tell me what the choice is, maybe even make a recommendation, but let ME MAKE THE CHOICE.

[Daniel ~]

If a thing be good and wishes to live, it must learn to defend itself...

[cloasters]

According to an Arstechnica article, Mint doesn't use the tracking ugliness that bedevils Ubuntu. Yay!

[Daniel ~]

Mint stills holds the middle ground, pray erosion never finds it or that when they meet Mint's roots in the community are strong enough to bind her to us rather than "Them" who subvert all that is good in this world if we let them.