function recordInstall() {
if (utils.prefs('install_recorded')) { return; }
sendReq('install');
}
So the if statement that the OP highlights does not actually phone every time it is called like the OP claims, but only on the first install. The message that the add-on sends to ghostery.com includes the Ghostrank preference, the version of Ghostery, the OS, and the Firefox version (Android or desktop). That said, it does appear that the add-on phones home on each upgrade, and I don't see anything in the Ghostery Privacy Policy about this (it only discusses GhostRank).
Yes, its an ongoing issue that people are increasingly unable to read simple if statements. The world has been plagued with academics attempting to analyze the simplest of statements without success. This is what led us to form the "Leave No Academic Behind" (LNAB) group. To inform academics in the err of their ways and show them the path to success.
There have been increase in tin-foil theories about these scripts even when the source is available and very easy to read through. It honestly blows my mind.
function recordInstall() { if (utils.prefs('install_recorded')) { return; }
sendReq('install'); }
So the if statement that the OP highlights does not actually phone every time it is called like the OP claims, but only on the first install. The message that the add-on sends to ghostery.com includes the Ghostrank preference, the version of Ghostery, the OS, and the Firefox version (Android or desktop). That said, it does appear that the add-on phones home on each upgrade, and I don't see anything in the Ghostery Privacy Policy about this (it only discusses GhostRank).