Skip to main content

Disable sending of package statistics (popcon)

Overview​

About this category

This category contains privacy scripts for Linux.

These changes use Linux system commands to update your settings.

Popularity Contest (or popcon) collects statistical data to determine which packages are the most popular 1. It sends a list of packages installed and the access and change times of relevant files to the server via email in different distros such as Debian and Ubuntu 2.

popularity-contest package sets up a cron job that will periodically anonymously submit statistical data to the Debian developers about the statistics of the most used Debian packages on the system 3. It also sends data about the system architecture and the version of popularity-contest 4.

Communication is encrypted but with the right configuration and software, but if that's not the case, communication can be eavesdropped as it does not use HTTPS but HTTP 4.

Statistics are publicly accessible and can be seen online:

See also: "popularity-contest source code | debian.org".

Caution: Mixed Risk Levels

Be careful running these scripts. This category includes scripts with high impact:

  • 🟡 Some recommended scripts only if you understand its implications. Some non-critical or features may no longer function correctly after running this this category.
  • 🟢 Some safely recommended scripts. Safe-to use for any user.
Implementation Details

  • Language: bash

  • Scripts Count: 3 scripts

  • Required Privileges: Root/sudo access

  • Compatibility: Linux only

  • Reversibility: All changes can be reverted

Apply now​

These scripts are written using Bash (Shell script) scripting language.

Choose one of two ways to apply:

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

Alternative 1. Apply with Privacy.sexy​

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

Open privacy.sexy

It allows selectively choose parts of this action to conduct. You can fully restore this action (revert back to the original behavior) using the application. Additionally, you can apply only the recommended scripts, instead of applying all of the scripts.

privacy.sexy instructions
  1. Open or download the desktop application
  2. Search for the category name: Disable sending of package statistics (popcon).
  3. Check the category by clicking on the checkbox of the category.
  4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download​

You can choose to apply only scripts with less impact or also those with higher impact:

Standard

Recommended for all users. It helps to improve privacy without affecting stability.

Scroll

Strict

Recommended if you understand its implications. It may cause some non-critical features to no longer function correctly.

Scroll

Consider restarting your computer for all changes to take affect.

Reversible

This action is completely reversible, you can restore your changes to the initial/default state. The restore/revert methods provided here can help you fix issues.

If something goes wrong, use the Revert script provided above.

Standard​

This script includes only Standard recommendation level.

Safe for General Use

Standard scripts in this category is recommended for all users. They help to improve privacy without affecting stability.

Download only standard scripts by clicking on the button:

Download script

Restore these changes if you decide to revert them by downloading the restore script:

Download restore script

Strict​

This script includes Standard and Strict recommendation levels.

Use with Caution

This script is only recommended if you understand their implications of every single change. Some non-critical or features may no longer function correctly after running this script.

Download Strict scripts:

Download script

Restore these changes if you decide to revert them by downloading the restore script:

Download restore script

Explore further​

This category includes total of 3 scripts but no subcategories.

Explore its 3 scripts:

Explore Categories​

This action belongs to Disable Debian telemetry category. Debian, also known as Debian GNU/Linux, is a Linux distribution composed of free and open-source software, developed by the community-supported Debian Project. Debian-based distributions include Ubuntu, Kali Linux, MX Linux, Pardus, Parrot OS, PureOS, Raspberry Pi OS, TAILS, and others. Debian... Read more on category page ▶

Support​

This website relies on your support.

Support now

Your donation helps keep the project alive and improves its content ❤️.

Share this page:

EmailLinkedInRedditPinterestWhatsAppTelegramWeiboVK