Post AZgwpVDHCSwFCe9320 by DestinationLinux@linuxrocks.online
(DIR) More posts by DestinationLinux@linuxrocks.online
(DIR) Post #AZf8outX2dYBhHTczQ by nicemicro@fosstodon.org
2023-08-10T01:35:35Z
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So, on the @DestinationLinux podcast we again heard the usual shtick on telemetry and the "true number" of Linux users.This times the hosts contemplated the "one user, more computers" issue, and instead of recognizing the absurdity of the situation, their solution was "well Apple counts devices". In general, you can't count users accurately and ethically in the same time, because the only ethical way is to allow full opt-out.#privacy #Linux #telemetry
(DIR) Post #AZf8ovobcRCiYIBCwy by DestinationLinux@linuxrocks.online
2023-09-11T16:08:17Z
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@nicemicro we are in favor of full opt-out. We were advocating for some kind of data collection being done to use it as a method for marketing and discussion to convince companies to bring software to Linux. We are not advocating for this data to be error free or to be 100% accurate. 100% accurate and 100% ethical are polar opposites so there has to be a compromise somewhere and personally I choose accuracy. Any viable data is better than zero data. - Michael
(DIR) Post #AZfqdV5V2y5sSKRQJM by nicemicro@fosstodon.org
2023-09-12T00:19:13Z
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@DestinationLinux Hi Michael, I wasn't expecting to see a response this late, I guess you guys are getting a lot of Mastodon notifications 🙂 The problem is, many of us use #Linux and #FreeSoftware, because we believe that we should have the last word in what happens on my PC, regardless whether that's good or bad for the developer. So, you may chose to supply data, but free software shouldn't force users to supply data, because then it's not really free, isn't it?
(DIR) Post #AZfvkk6I7yhcob5Hmq by DestinationLinux@linuxrocks.online
2023-09-12T01:16:35Z
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@nicemicro there’s a lot of social media platforms to manage 😆. On topic: we never suggested any user be forced to submit data. We are all pro opt-out. I thought we made that clear in the topic, based on your comment though I guess we didn’t. 🤷♂️😀 - Michael
(DIR) Post #AZgOcd5xBfeBRTPTfs by nicemicro@fosstodon.org
2023-09-12T06:40:03Z
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@DestinationLinux I know you said it, but I see it conflicting to the other things you guys said, which is "we need more data". Most people (even people who are no privacy conscious, like my parents) will click "no" on data collection if both "no" and "yes" buttons are equal in size and appearance.IMO, the only way to get "more data", is to be unethical about it (no question at all, just opt out through a hidden config option, etc.).
(DIR) Post #AZgwpVDHCSwFCe9320 by DestinationLinux@linuxrocks.online
2023-09-12T13:03:21Z
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@nicemicro data collection does not require personal information and based on surveys, most are fine with providing anonymous data for the purpose of improving the product they use. opt-out covers the rest.you quoted us: “we need more data” and then said the only way to get more data is unethically. You’re missing a key component, most distros and projects collect no data at all, when starting from zero data, “getting more data” and doing it ethically is easily possible.- Michael
(DIR) Post #AZh0EmB3Z3MKv0qjfU by nicemicro@fosstodon.org
2023-09-12T13:41:32Z
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@DestinationLinux That is fine, if a program on its first run asks if I agree on data collection, and there is no mind-trick involving pre-selected "agree" buttons, etc., that's fully ethical. And if this is would still result in enough people clicking "agree" for the data to be useful, then I have no problem.On the other hand, I wouldn't be surprised that people who are willing to fill out surveys would also be willing to agree to this type of data collection more than the average person. 😂