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Rasp Pi software has Microsoft Links added
Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2021 7:15 pm
by g1prx
Recent raspberry pi downloads include a microsoft.gpg key which presumably sends data to microsoft.com
Details on how to remove and or block this file can be found on Jason's, KM4ACK youtube channel released today.
G1PRX
Re: Rasp Pi software has Microsoft Links added
Posted: Sat Feb 13, 2021 5:01 pm
by G8GKQ
Whilst it might have been a mis-step from the Raspberry Pi Foundation to include the Microsoft GPG key and reference to Microsoft repositories without some notification, much of the reaction to this change comes into the "Conspiracy Theory" category.
The change was aimed at making it easier for programmers to download the the VS Code editor (as I understand it for use with the Raspberry Pi Pico), not at allowing Microsoft to harvest more data.
When you run an update, the Raspberry Pi checks with a number of servers to check the latest version of packages. Very few Raspberry Pi users could even name one of the existing servers. Microsoft servers have now been added to that list, and a gpg key provided to allow the easy installation of the VS Code Editor. Authoritative details from the RaspberryPi Foundation here:
https://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/view ... 0#p1813830
I do not currently have any plans to remove the reference to Microsoft in my Raspberry Pi builds, but will keep the situation under review.
Dave, G8GKQ
Re: Rasp Pi software has Microsoft Links added
Posted: Sun Feb 14, 2021 9:34 am
by g8lce
I am walking around with aluminium foil over my head as I have been vaccinated against Covid 19 and don't want to be tracked with my new chip in my arm!
Of coarse my smartphone does not allow them to track me.
BUT one thing that might be useful is to keep your spare car keys in a tin box if you have keyless unlocking. You should really do this at night with your keys too but that may be a bit over the top in Cornwall.
Martin G8LCE