Disable online search result collection (collects queries)

Overview

About this script

This script improves your privacy on Linux.

These changes use Linux system commands to update your settings.

Online search is introduced in Ubuntu Lens in Ubuntu 12.10 1. It has been known as "Shopping Lens", "Online Search Results" and "More Suggestions" 1. The search data is sent to productsearch.ubuntu.com 1.

Online search results are considered a privacy concern by governments 2 and can be disabled using the remote-content-search option 2.

This script uses Bash (Shell script) scripting language.

Use with Caution

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

Implementation Details

• Language: bash

• Required Privileges: Root/sudo access

• Compatibility: Linux only

• Reversibility: Can be undone using provided revert script

Explore Categories

Disable Ubuntu telemetry

This action belongs to Disable Ubuntu telemetry category. Ubuntu is a Linux distribution based on Debian and composed mostly of free and open-source software. Ubuntu, along with its upstream Debian, has many official (Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Ubuntu Studio…) and unofficial (elementary OS, KDE neon, Linux Mint, Pop! OS, Zorin OS…) derivatives. 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 online search result collection (collects queries).
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 'gsettings' &> /dev/null; then
  echo 'Skipping because "gsettings" is not found.'
else
  gsettings set com.canonical.Unity.Lenses remote-content-search none
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 'gsettings' &> /dev/null; then
    >&2 echo 'Cannot revert because "gsettings" is not found.'
  else
    gsettings set com.canonical.Unity.Lenses remote-content-search all
  fi

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