Disable weekly "pkgstats" submission

Overview

About this script

This script improves your privacy on Linux.

These changes use Linux system commands to update your settings.

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.

This script uses Bash (Shell script) scripting language.

Safe for General Use

This script is recommended for all users. It helps to improve privacy without affecting stability.

Implementation Details

• Language: bash

• Required Privileges: Root/sudo access

• Compatibility: Linux only

• Reversibility: Can be undone using provided revert script

Explore Categories

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This action belongs to Disable pkgstats that collects installed package list (opt-in) category. pkgstats sends a list of all installed packages, the architecture, and the mirror you are using to the Arch Linux project. It stores personally identifiable information such as IP addresses for one month and then anonymizes and aggregates the data. Read more on category page ▶

Disable Arch Linux telemetry

This action belongs to Disable Arch Linux telemetry category. Arch Linux is an independently developed, x86-64 general-purpose Linux distribution that strives to provide the latest stable versions of most software by following a rolling-release model. The default installation is a minimal base system, configured by the user to only add what is specifically... Read more on category page ▶

Disable OS data collection

This action belongs to Disable OS data collection category. All operating systems collect data. This is part of their work. Sometimes, this data has high privacy implications, especially when it is submitted to third parties. Some Linux distributions come with out-of-the-box data collection and submission. Most of the time, this data collection is... Read more on category page ▶

Apply now

Choose one of three ways to apply:

1. Automatically via privacy.sexy: The easiest and safest option.
2. Manually by downloading: Requires downloading a file.
3. Manually by copying: Advanced flexibility.

Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy

privacy.sexy is free and open-source application that lets securely apply this action easily.

Open privacy.sexy

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

privacy.sexy instructions

1. Open or download the desktop application
2. Search for the script name: Disable weekly pkgstats submission.
3. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download

Irreversible Changes

This script is irreversible, meaning there is no straightforward method to restore changes once applied. Exercise caution before running, restoring it may not be possible.

1. Download the script file by clicking on the button below:

   Download script

2. Run the script file by clicking on it.

Download revert script

This file restores your system to its original state, before this script is applied.

Download restore script

Alternative 3. Copy

This is for advanced users. Consider automatically applying or downloading the script for simpler way.

1. Open Terminal

2. Copy the following code:

Code to 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

3. Paste the code into terminal.
4. Press Enter to apply the code.

Some scripts requires restarting your computer to take affect.

Copy restore code

Copy and run the following code to restore changes:

Revert code

if ! command -v 'systemctl' &> /dev/null; then
    >&2 echo 'Cannot revert 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
    echo "Skipping, $service is already enabled."
  else
    if sudo systemctl enable "$service"; then
      echo "Successfully enabled $service, it may require reboot to start."
    else
      >&2 echo "Failed to enable $service."
    fi
  fi
else
  >&2 echo "Failed, $service does not exist."
fi
  fi

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