www/philosophy ubuntu-spyware.html

[Richard M. Stallman]

CVSROOT:        /web/www
Module name:    www
Changes by:     Richard M. Stallman <rms>       16/06/07 04:35:26

Modified files:
        philosophy     : ubuntu-spyware.html 

Log message:
        Spyware search is now disabled by default.
        
        Delete the note about a future plan to do so.
        
        Link to /philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html.

CVSWeb URLs:
http://web.cvs.savannah.gnu.org/viewcvs/www/philosophy/ubuntu-spyware.html?cvsroot=www&r1=1.14&r2=1.15

Patches:
Index: ubuntu-spyware.html
===================================================================
RCS file: /web/www/www/philosophy/ubuntu-spyware.html,v
retrieving revision 1.14
retrieving revision 1.15
diff -u -b -r1.14 -r1.15
--- ubuntu-spyware.html 19 Apr 2014 00:45:08 -0000      1.14
+++ ubuntu-spyware.html 7 Jun 2016 04:35:26 -0000       1.15
@@ -8,6 +8,23 @@
 
 <p>by <a href="http://www.stallman.org/";>Richard Stallman</a></p>
 
+<blockquote>
+<p>Since <a 
href="http://fossbytes.com/the-spyware-feature-in-ubuntu-will-be-disabled-in-ubuntu-16-04-xenial-xerus/";>Ubuntu
+version 16.04</a>, the spyware search facility is now disabled by
+default.  It appears that the campaign of pressure launched by this
+article has been partly successful.  Nonetheless, offering the spyware
+search facility as an option is still a problem, as explained below.
+Ubuntu should make the network search a command users can execute from
+time to time, not a semipermanent option for users to enable (and
+probably forget).
+</p>
+
+<p>Even though the factual situation described in the rest of this
+page has partly changed, the page is still important.  This example
+should teach our community not to do such things again, but in order
+for that to happen, we must continue to talk about it.</p>
+</blockquote>
+
 <p>One of the major advantages of free software is that the community
   protects users from malicious software.  Now
   Ubuntu <a href="/gnu/linux-and-gnu.html"> GNU/Linux </a> has become
@@ -25,8 +42,9 @@
   apps for iThings and Android, which are guilty of one or more of these
   nasty practices.</p>
 
-<p>Free software gives users a chance to protect themselves from
-  malicious software behaviors.  Even better, usually the community
+<p><a href="/philosophy/free-software-even-more-important.html"
+  Free software gives users a chance to protect themselves from
+  malicious software behaviors</a>.  Even better, usually the community
   protects everyone, and most users don't have to move a muscle.  Here's
   how.</p>
 
@@ -140,13 +158,6 @@
 
 <blockquote>
 <p>
-As of March 2014 we have heard talk of a plan to change Ubuntu to
-remove this surveillance malfeature.  I hope Ubuntu does make that
-change and soon, since that will vindicate free software's reputation.
-However, reportedly Ubuntu 14.04 in April 2014 still has the problem.
-</p>
-
-<p>
 The presence of nonfree software in Ubuntu is a separate ethical
 issue.  For Ubuntu to be ethical, that too must be fixed.
 </p>
@@ -209,7 +220,7 @@
 
 <p class="unprintable">Updated:
 <!-- timestamp start -->
-$Date: 2014/04/19 00:45:08 $
+$Date: 2016/06/07 04:35:26 $
 <!-- timestamp end -->
 </p>
 </div>