The end of Audacity as we know it?

[super8rescue]

Be mindful of downloading a new version or updating your current version.
This is trending in twitter today
Updated privacy policy that doesn't look great

https://appleinsider.com/articles/21/07/04/open-source-audacity-deemed-spyware-over-da...lxjPOG7weri48k

[davexnet]

Could always revert to version 2.4.2

[mike20021969]

Ever heard of a Firewall?

[davexnet]

According to info here, the network capabilities won't be included until 3.03. Current version (3.02) is clean
https://github.com/audacity/audacity/discussions/1225

Easy enough to set an outbound firewall rule, but there are some assumptions - is it (or will it be) the main Audacity exe
connecting to the net?

[TreeTops]

Setting an outbound firewall rule is not an easy task. I suspect most users don't know how to do it.

[sophisticles]

You don't even need a firewall rule, use wireshark to sniff packet to see where audacity connects to, edit your HOSTS file to block that connection.

[TreeTops]

I always thought that HOSTS file only worked when using a browser on the internet, not individual programs that don't don't use a browser like Audacity. But I may be wrong.

[johns0]

Its very easy to set a outbound rule with windows 10 defender firewall.

[sophisticles]

I always thought that HOSTS file only worked when using a browser on the internet, not individual programs that don't don't use a browser like Audacity. But I may be wrong.

I don't think I'm allowed to share the link here, but google "block Adobe activation using HOSTS file" and you will see how to block any program using the HOSTS file.

[pm-s]

"No person under 13 can use Audacity" must be a joke

[El Heggunte]

"No person under 13 can use Audacity" must be a joke

People can be very stupid and often they are very stupid...

"The App we provide is not intended for individuals below the age of 13. If you are under 13 years old, please do not use the App."

https://www.techrepublic.com/article/the-audacity-how-to-wreck-an-open-source-project-...r-a-community/

[super8rescue]

"No person under 13 can use Audacity" must be a joke

It's not a joke, its absolutely outrageous.

Audacity is supposed to be part of the GPL family, since when did under 13's not be part of the General Public?

[Ai Haibara]

I've heard it's an attempt to sidestep issues that might arise from trying to collect data from children, in all territories.

[pm-s]

"No person under 13 can use Audacity" must be a joke

It's not a joke, its absolutely outrageous.

Audacity is supposed to be part of the GPL family, since when did under 13's not be part of the General Public?

In 2021 no company cares about user privacy

[mike20021969]

"No person under 13 can use Audacity" must be a joke

It's not a joke, its absolutely outrageous.

Audacity is supposed to be part of the GPL family, since when did under 13's not be part of the General Public?

Apparently (in the UK anyway) the "License Agreements" that you agree to before installing software are not valid if you are under 16 years of age.

[netmask56]

It's probably has something to do with contract law, although in most countries you can't sign a contract (of agreement) until you turn 18, the age of majority. Under 13 you would be regrded as a child, 13 and above a teen, etc.

[jagabo]

Tempest in a teapot? https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2021/07/no-open-source-audacity-audio-editor-is-not-spyware/

[sophisticles]

"Data necessary for law enforcement, litigation and authorities' requests (if any)"


This part pf the privacy policy is not a "tempest in a teapot", Audacity is an open source, gpl'd program, why would any "authorities" ever have to request data related to an end users use of this program and what data related to it's use would possible be useful to "authorities"?

What litigation or "legitimate interest of WSM Group to defend its legal rights and interests" can possibly exist with gpl software, other than the name?

To me it sounds like an attempt to excuse spying on their users and all the more reason to make sure that this software is not imitating E.T.

[pm-s]

Will Audacity still stay open source after the next update?

[jagabo]

Will Audacity still stay open source after the next update?

Apparently it will. They've said you can download the source and build it yourself without the telemetry (via a simple build time switch) if you're paranoid. See the ArsTechnica article I linked to earlier.

[davexnet]

I wonder how many will stick with 3.02 and not upgrade ?

[pm-s]

I wonder how many will stick with 3.02 and not upgrade ?

Better question is: "Who will even upgrade to 3.03?"

[sophisticles]

I wonder how many will stick with 3.02 and not upgrade ?

Better question is: "Who will even upgrade to 3.03?"

As had been pointed out, it's possible to compile it from source yourself and by doing so not enable the telemetry but I would still sniff packets and block it from accessing the internet just to be on the safe side.