Disable Amazon Search Ads in Ubuntu Unity Dash
Removing Amazon Advertisements from Ubuntu 12.10 (Quantal Quetzal)
Upon upgrading to Ubuntu 12.10, also known as Quantal Quetzal, users may notice a change in the dash search functionality. Ubuntu now integrates advertisements for products available on Amazon during searches.
Additionally, a shortcut to Amazon is pre-pinned within the Unity launcher. This integration has raised concerns among some users regarding privacy.
Disabling Amazon Search Results
Several methods exist to disable these Amazon advertisements, though the process isn't immediately intuitive. It is possible to remove the Amazon search results entirely if desired.
The following steps can be taken to prevent the display of Amazon product ads when using the dash search feature. This allows for a cleaner and more focused search experience.
Addressing Privacy Concerns
For individuals concerned about the privacy implications of this integration, disabling the Amazon search results is a straightforward solution. This prevents data from being shared with Amazon through the Ubuntu dash.
By removing the Amazon integration, users can maintain greater control over their search data and browsing activity within the Ubuntu environment.
Understanding Amazon Advertising within Unity Dash
Every time a search is initiated through Unity’s dash interface, the entered keywords are transmitted to Canonical. Canonical then acts as an intermediary, forwarding these search queries to external providers, including Amazon, while preserving your anonymity.
Consequently, Amazon is unable to directly associate these searches with your individual user profile. This process ensures a degree of privacy for the user.
The search results obtained from Amazon are subsequently relayed back to your system by Canonical, and then presented within the Unity dash. Given the extensive product catalog available on Amazon, some users have encountered instances of potentially inappropriate or NSFW content appearing in their search results.
How the System Operates
Detailed information regarding this functionality can be accessed by clicking the information icon located in the bottom right corner of the dash. This will display the relevant legal notice outlining the data handling procedures.
Should you select an Amazon search result and proceed to make a purchase – whether it be the advertised item or any other product on the Amazon platform – Canonical receives a commission from Amazon.
This revenue stream contributes to the ongoing funding and development of the Ubuntu operating system. It’s a method of supporting Ubuntu through affiliate marketing.
Suppressing Online Content within the Dash Interface
It is possible to deactivate all online content displayed within the dash through the Privacy settings. Note that this action will also disable other online search functionalities, including the integrated online video search feature.
Access to the Privacy control panel can be gained by searching for "Privacy" directly within the dash and then initiating the Privacy application.
Disabling the "Include online search results" slider will prevent Amazon advertisements from appearing in the Ubuntu dash.
By toggling this setting, the dash will no longer incorporate results from online sources.
Disabling Amazon Search Ads Specifically
Should you wish to retain certain online content functionality within your dash, while simultaneously eliminating Amazon search results, the unity-lens-shopping package can be uninstalled to remove only the Amazon advertising component.
Initiate the uninstallation process by opening a Terminal window directly from the dash interface.
Within the Terminal window, input the following command and execute it by pressing Enter:
sudo apt-get remove unity-lens-shopping
You will be prompted to enter your user password. Confirm the removal by typing 'Y' and pressing Enter; Ubuntu will then proceed to uninstall the specified package.
The Amazon advertisements will no longer be displayed after a complete logout and subsequent login to your Ubuntu session.
This process ensures that only the Amazon-related search functionality is removed, leaving other dash features intact.
Eliminating the Amazon Launcher Integration
The Amazon shortcut present in the sidebar, designed to open the Amazon website in your default browser upon activation, can be readily removed. A simple right-click on the icon, followed by selecting "Unlock from Launcher," will achieve this.
This action effectively disables the direct launch functionality of the Amazon application from the Ubuntu sidebar.
Understanding the Integration
For those interested in the rationale behind Canonical’s inclusion of Amazon search results, further information is available. Mark Shuttleworth’s blog post, titled “Amazon search results in the Dash,” provides insight into the decision and addresses concerns voiced by the Ubuntu community.
The post details the considerations and reasoning that led to the integration of Amazon search functionality within the Ubuntu Dash.
It offers a perspective on the benefits Canonical aimed to provide to users through this partnership.
Users can access this explanation to gain a better understanding of the context surrounding the Amazon integration.