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Canonical, the creator of popular Linux distribution Ubuntu, has come under fire for attempting to spread the word about a new promotion.
As TechRadar Pro reported last week, Canonical now offers free access to the enterprise-focused version of Ubuntu for up to five workstations. In an effort to advertise the scheme, the company distributes a command line message to any user who updates the operating system.
However, some of the Ubuntu user base has not been kind to the move, which has been interpreted by some as an inappropriate breach.
Ubuntu kickback
While the abusive message is intended to promote a free service, vocal Ubuntu users have taken to platforms such as Reddit and the official Canonical forum to express their displeasure.
The consensus among those angry about the command line message is that it is an unnecessary annoyance and perhaps a violation of the unwritten agreement between Canonical and its users.
Others speculated that the attempt to promote Ubuntu Pro could violate data protection regulations that prevent companies in some countries from advertising to users of a service without obtaining prior consent.
However, some community members also came out in defense of Canonical, arguing that the message is only a minor inconvenience and drawing attention to the fact that there is no charge for using the Ubuntu operating system.
“Let me understand the problem. You are using a distribution from a for-profit company and you are unwilling to use it if a one-line opt-in ‘offer’ is mentioned?” asked one Reddit user.
Another correctly noted that Microsoft has regularly taken the opportunity to include ads in parts of its Windows operating system, a platform for which people are already paying.
TechRadar Pro has asked Canonical if it plans to change course, in light of the resistance, but received no immediate response.
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