[sirius87]

By that logic, Ubuntu performs a connectivity check behind the scenes polling connectivity-check.ubuntu.com every few mins to detect if internet connectivity has been lost.

I do not recollect seeing any opt-in Privacy prompt enabling this feature. Surely an OS can function without the internet so it's not "essential to its functioning".

Same with Firefox's captive portal check [1] that helps determine if a Wifi network requires a web-based sign-in or acceptance of terms of use.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captive_portal

[cowl]

yes, Ubuntu is in violation of GDPR too if it does not connect for essential functionality. One essential functionality that is acceptable for any OS is that of checking for updates because Security is an essential part of OS.