Ubuntu's new opt-in, open-source telemetry is a win-win for Linux users - here's why

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ZDNET's key takeaways

• Operating systems collect data in different ways.
• Linux distributions are transparent about that collection.
• Canonical's making some changes to how it collects information.

Telemetry: the in situ collection of measurements or other data at remote points and their automatic transmission to receiving equipment (telecommunication).

When you mention that word to anyone who's been around technology long enough, you'll probably be given a response akin to derision. That's because most people associate telemetry with an invasion of privacy.

In today's world, companies and services go out of their way to collect data from users because it has value. Data can be used to create profiles for targeted marketing. Data can also be sold. Companies pay anywhere from a few cents to a few dollars per user because they ...