The latest version of Intel Arc GPU Graphics Software introduced an interesting change that isn't reflected in the Release Notes. The installer of the 101.4578 beta drivers add a "Compute Improvement Program" (CIP) component as part of the "typical" setup option that is enabled by default. Under the...
Debian approaches this sort of information gathering in the most respectful way I’ve seen so far. During the installation process there’s a screen where you are presented the option to participate in sharing package popularity statistics. It’s opt-in, just like it should be. Doing this sort of thing with the possibility to opt-out is super shady, but unfortunately very common these days.
You can also apt install or purge popcon whenever you want.