Earlier quoted context omitted.
Tracking should always be opt-in, not opt-out. I base this on expected user preference and trying to optimize for user happiness and functionality. I don’t think this is as true for non-OSS software where the purpose is likely more toward revenue generation than community and user functionality.
First, please let's draw a distinction between different kinds of tracking. We're smart enough to appreciate the naunces here. Some information is more valuable than others. * How many times you clicked Edit -> Paste vs Ctrl/Cmd + V. This is not personal information. It cannot be used in any way to identify you. * Your location/medical information. Guard this with your life if you must. Share it with literally no one…
One single link to your identity, and you now have user tracking. If course, there's probably easier ways to achieve it.