content: Even popular Linux distros  Some specific examples would be appreciated.  Other than the various Google initiatives, the only one I know of is Ubuntu, and that one is pretty easy to circumvent.  Truth be told, considering the backlash that they encountered, I don't think even that one is in there anymore.  While some of the applications therein may do some of that, just about the only thing I can think of that might be tracked by the distribution developers themselves is access to the package repository, which is, strictly speaking, not necessary for online function nor function in general. EDIT: Slight clarification.