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Disable weekly "pkgstats" submission

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Works with any Linux distroWorks with any Linux distribution that can run bash scripts.
  • Single actionThis page belongs to a script, containing basic changes to achieve a task.
  • Linux onlyThis script improves your privacy on Linux
  • Impact: MinimumSystem Functionality Loss Risk: Low
    This action improves privacy with minimal impact when you run the recommended script.
  • Bash (Shell script)These changes use Linux system commands to update your settings.
  • Fully reversible

    You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using this website.

    The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

Overview​

pkgstats is set up to automatically run every week using systemd/timers 1. Once disabled, the data will only be sent once manually invoked 1. The weekly timer is named pkgstats.timer 2.

Safe for General Use
All actions in this script is recommended for all users. This is recommended for all users to improve without any noticeable impact on the system functionality.
Sources
PrivacyLearn.com maintains strict sourcing standards for accuracy, integrity and up-to-date content. Our content relies on authoritative sources including vendor documentation, industry standards, and verified research. Learn more about our verification process and quality standards in our editorial standards page.

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Help

How to apply or restore "Disable weekly pkgstats submission" using script​

  • ≈ 3 min to complete
  • Tools: Web Browser
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • ≈ 5 instructions
  1. 1

    Download

    Download the script file by clicking on the   Apply protection  button above.
    Use   Undo protection button above to restore changes.
  2. 2

    Keep the file

    If warned by your browser, keep the file.
  3. 3

    Open

    Open the downloaded file.
  4. 4

    Exit

    Once it's done, press any key to exit the window.
  5. 5

    Restart

    Restart your computer for all changes to take effect.

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How to apply or restore "Disable weekly pkgstats submission" using privacy.sexy​

  • ≈ 3 min to complete
  • Tools: privacy.sexy
  • Difficulty: Simple
  • ≈ 4 instructions
privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily with more advanced options.
  1. 1

    Open or download

    Open or download the desktop application
  2. 2

    Choose script

    1. Search for the script name: Disable weekly pkgstats submission
    2. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  3. 3

    Run

    Click on ▶️ Run button at the bottom of the page.

    This button only appears on desktop version (recommended). On browser, use 💾 Save button.

Run commands​

Copy and run commands manually Requires technical knowledge
Apply changes
if ! command -v 'systemctl' &> /dev/null; then
  echo 'Skipping because "systemctl" is not found.'
else
  service='pkgstats.timer'
if systemctl list-units --full -all | grep --fixed-strings --quiet "$service"; then # service exists
  if systemctl is-enabled --quiet "$service"; then
    if systemctl is-active --quiet "$service"; then
      echo "Service $service is running now, stopping it."
      if ! sudo systemctl stop "$service"; then
        >&2 echo "Could not stop $service."
      else
        echo 'Successfully stopped'
      fi
    fi
    if sudo systemctl disable "$service"; then
      echo "Successfully disabled $service."
    else
      >&2 echo "Failed to disable $service."
    fi
  else
    echo "Skipping, $service is already disabled."
  fi
else
  echo "Skipping, $service does not exist."
fi
fi
Help

How to apply or restore "Disable weekly pkgstats submission" using commands​

  • ≈ 2 min to complete
  • Tools: Terminal
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • ≈ 3 instructions
  1. 1

    Open terminal

    Open your terminal application.
  2. 2

    Copy code

    Copy the code:
    Copy Apply Code Copy Revert Code
  3. 3

    Paste & run

    Paste the commands into terminal application and press Enter to run.

    Some changes require a system restart to take effect

Similar Guides​

Wider Goal​

Guides below includes this guide to achieve a wider goal.See other more general settings that includes this one as one of its actions.
These plans combine multiple privacy settings, including this one, for stronger protection.
pkgstats sends a list of all installed packages, the architecture, and the mirror you are using to the Arch Linux project. It stores personally identifia...

— Disable pkgstats that collects installed package list (opt-in)

Same Goal​

Another guide in Disable "pkgstats" that collects installed package list (opt-in) See settings that are in the same category as this guide.
Using other actions in the same category may help you achieve your goal better.
Remove pkgstats package

About the Creators​

These people have authored this documentation and written its scripts:

  • Avatar of undergroundwires. The creator of PrivacyLearn and privacy.sexy. Black and white portrait showing a person wearing a polka dot tie and suit jacket, reflecting the professional expertise behind the privacy protection tools.
    • Certified security professional
    • 7+ years experience securing banks
    • Open-source developer since 2005
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About Us

Reviewed By​

This guide has undergone comprehensive auditing and peer review:

  • Expert review by undergroundwires​

    • Verified technical accuracy and editorial standards
    • Assessed system impact and user privacy risks
    • Audited and verified using automated security tests

  • Public review by large community​

    • Privacy enthusiasts and professionals peer-reviewed
    • Millions of end-users tested across different environments
    • Audited and verified using third-party security software

History​

We continually monitor our guides, their impact and other potential privacy options. We update our guides when new information becomes available. On every update, we publicly store who made the change, what has been changed, why the change was made and when the change was made.

Review Change History Our Change Process