ArsTechnica on Article on Pitfall of using Dash on 12.10

[kevdog]

http://arstechnica.com/security/2012...ivacy-problem/

It's interesting to see other news media giving the thumbs down to this integrated local/remote search using Dash. I believe article did a good job exposing the possible privacy concerns. Frankly I know this topic has been touched upon in other threads, however it seems like coverage on this problem is gaining wider media attention.

I really confused why this feature was included by default? Who wants search results from Amazon included when searching for local files and such? Why are search results transmitted back to the computer in an unencrypted manner? Who really felt in the development team that the current search methods in 12.10 implementation is actually satisfactory and felt compromised user privacy was actually acceptable? I have so many questions, but in the end am just left in utter amazement and disbelief.

[uhgreen]

but in the end am just left in utter amazement and disbelief.

Is this the first time you've heard of a large company making a bad decision?

This has been covered a trillion times. Uninstall it if you don't like it:

sudo apt-get remove unity-lens-shopping

One line. Done.

If you really don't like it then don't use Ubuntu.

[Eggnog]

Or just stick with 12.04

[johnnybgoode83]

Or just stick with 12.04

Or jump ship to Xubuntu It's awesome

[Sef]

To turn off the shopping lens without removing it:

1) Go to System Settings

2) From Ars Technical article mentioned in the first post:

To do that, open the Privacy app and switch "Include online search results" from on to off.

[aysiu]

I think some people missed this part from the OP:

I really confused why this feature was included by default?

The key here is by default. Of course you can change it. But defaults matter.

[zombifier25]

At installation Ubuntu should give you an option to enable or disable Amazon search, in that way at least we are given more control on our online identity.

But IMO, but people who care about their privacy know how to disable it. People who don't, well, their information are already being harvested by much more effective means (Facebook rings a bell?) I say we're making a big deal about this.

[sffvba[e0rt]

Mistakes where made, lessons learnt... nothing to see here, move along...


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[robert shearer]

Mistakes where made, lessons learnt... nothing to see here, move along...


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?????? Is that some sort of censorship by suggestion, or obfuscation by obviousness, or innuendo by instruction, ?????

I am confused by the intent of your post, especially as you are staff.
I intend no offence nor disrespect.

I have no beef, I agree with your sentiment, it is just I am confused as to the point of your post and why it reads like a policeman herding the masses...

[sffvba[e0rt]

?????? Is that some sort of censorship by suggestion, or obfuscation by obviousness, or innuendo by instruction, ?????

I am confused by the intent of your post, especially as you are staff.
I intend no offence nor disrespect.

I have no beef, I agree with your sentiment, it is just I am confused as to the point of your post and why it reads like a policeman herding the masses...

Just follow me, I'm right behind you.


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