Tails - Replacing balenaEtcher with Rufus as installer for Windows
tails.net

I am shocked by this - the quote in below is very concerning:

“However, in 2024, the situation changed: balenaEtcher started sharing the file name of the image and the model of the USB stick with the Balena company and possibly with third parties.”

Can’t see myself using this software anymore…

  • Orygin@sh.itjust.works
    79·
    1 month ago

    I mean for privacy things it makes sense to avoid leaking anything. But I fail to understand where the danger is to have anonymous data that says a user installed “Ubuntu-24.04-wappity-whatever.iso” to “KINGSTON DATA TRAVELER 32GB” at some point.

    • major_jellyfishEnglish
      81·
      1 month ago

      If anything that seems like worthwhile analytics for the dev team to have access to.

      Most software lets you opt out of sending anonymous analytics data though.

      • interdimensionalmeme@lemmy.ml
        9·
        1 month ago

        They could just ask. “Please allow us to know what you flash and on what device so we can improve the software” yes, no, tell me more, show me the data

        • Petter1@lemm.ee
          2·
          1 month ago

          Then I would have no problem using the SW, transparency is important to me

    • Petter1@lemm.ee
      4·
      1 month ago

      It is a trap for people not knowing and government may use it as excuse to activate executive