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Clear system logs ("journald")

Overview​

About this script

This script improves your privacy on Linux.

These changes use Linux system commands to update your settings.

journald is the part of systemd that captures, queries, and removes logs when needed 1. It allows removing logs by setting --vacuum-time 2.

systemd is also known as "System and Service Manager" and is a suite of basic building blocks for a Linux system 3. systemd keeps files in two places: /var/log/journal/ (persistently) and /run/log/journal/ (volatilely, the data is lost when the system is rebooted) 4.

This script uses Bash (Shell script) scripting language.

Not Advised

This script should only be used by advanced users. This script is not recommended for daily use as it breaks important functionality. Do not run it without having backups and system snapshots.

Implementation Details

  • Language: bash

  • Required Privileges: Root/sudo access

  • Compatibility: Linux only

  • Reversibility: Some changes may be permanent

Explore Categories​

This action belongs to Clear system and kernel usage data category. Your system (operating system along with other software on it) and kernel store data that may reveal your behavior and can be considered sensitive. These scripts clean up the data that could potentially expose your user data. 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

privacy.sexy instructions
  1. Open or download the desktop application
  2. Search for the script name: Clear system logs (journald).
  3. Check the script by clicking on the checkbox.
  4. Click on Run button at the bottom of the page.

Alternative 2. Download​

Reversible

This script is 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.

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

    Download script

  2. Run the script file by clicking on it.

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 'journalctl' &> /dev/null; then
  echo 'Skipping because "journalctl" is not found.'
else
  sudo journalctl --vacuum-time=1s
fi
sudo rm -rfv /run/log/journal/*
sudo rm -rfv /var/log/journal/*
  1. Paste the code into terminal.
  2. Press Enter to apply the code.

Some scripts requires restarting your computer to take affect.

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