Just a heads up for any one who doesn’t know, that since Native Instruments took over PA, newer plugins from PA now have a data tracking option. You can turn it off via the 
symbol, usually found at the bottom right of the interface.
Older plugins don’t seem to have it, but I’m sure that will change when they get updated.
edit:
I found out after buying Alpha Comp v2 ($20, a no-brainer, for me, and the first plugin in 2 years!).
The Lounge may be a better category, but FWIW I had to turn off the data tracking for NI apps in both the stand-alone and VST versions.
Be aware that ALL NI plug-ins automatically and silently make HTTP calls from your DAW to configuration:native-instruments:com every time you start irrespective of the setting.
So even though the language suggests you are disabling usage data “track and send,” it’s still sending data anyway. As a GmbH, I doubt they’re getting away with “lying,” so one can only presume the application is always sending the usage data, but that they tag “do not participate” data so that it can be removed from the back-end servers. Of course, it shouldn’t “send” anything at all (in my opinion) but it does.
On MacOS I use an application firewall (Little Snitch) to block these outbound connections, and have for years, and it does not affect operation at all - so it’s clearly not some other “functionality requirement.”
Oh well.
I’m not sure why people would be freaked out in this case. Are you worried about the Russians knowing how many times you use MaxxBass Stereo?
I am utterly astonied that you are not! 
I did not know that, was wondering why I got vouchers for plug-ins I would probably never need or use.
Also, each NI plug-in needs to be individually configured to not send usage data. I’m pretty sure that contravenes GDPR.
Personally I’m not “freaked out”, but I would prefer that audio plug-ins intended for near real-time use would not need to have non-deterministic networking code embedded; and yes, of course I understand the commercial value of vendors getting usage data – but it must be voluntary opt-in, not a hidden opt-out.
Personally no, because I now (have to) use Windows 11, where it doesn’t get much worse in that respect.
Data aggregation between “partners” is also a consideration. I was just called a “conspiracy theorist” by the Official UA Representative because I’ve raised level-headed, evidence-based concerns about the requirement for their “UA Connect” product to be running simply to use the mixing console. I’m one of the original people who brought that to their attention, and he claims they are aware of it and that they are fixing it. Actually, I should say he offhandedly said to use the current software while we “wait for the bug to be fixed.” Technically he didn’t say it was being fixed, just to wait while it was.
Rather odd to be called a conspiracy theorist when the facts are that you cannot turn off analytics gathering or sharing, and they will not tell you what is actually being shared. He even compared it to generalized social media collection saying it wasn’t as bad - which is like claiming that driving while drunk is totally fine since shooting up meth is worse.
I bring that up because of the Win11 comment. While a dire concern, I advise against leveling comparisons as if the choice is one over the other. It is one in addition to the other. Continuing with them as just an example, UAD’s EULA says the UAC will “connect to UA servers—automatically and without notice—for purposes including: activation/licensing verification, bug/error reporting, update checks, license transfers, content delivery (e.g. newsletters, product info), and access to UA or third‑party online services.” Note “3rd party services.”
The data they collect and share is: “Identification & contact info you provide (name, email, address, credit card), device and usage data, including IP address, hardware/software specs, time zone, browser/version, usage metrics (what you click on, products used), product usage metrics, potentially including when and how you use their plugins/software, errors reports, location data via mobile apps, and support/repair info.”
This data is shared with “business partners and Third-party service providers.” But of course, just identifying what they are doing, and quoting what they say themselves, I’m now a “conspiracy theorist.”
I respectfully submit that you may not be aware of what they are actually sharing and monetizing between 3rd parties. I would also say that neither @Googly_Smythe or I said anything indicative of “freaking out.” It’s level-headed concerns based on what these companies already tell us they are sharing.
The greater concern (for me) is when you consider what Cambridge Analytica did. If you’re not familiar, you may want to look that up (“you” being anyone who actually read this much).
There’s much more on this, but the point is that all of these datasets are crossed referenced and aggregated. Just look at what Palantir is doing with the DOGE data.
This is historical, factual data. It’s not “freaking out” to be concerned about its use and how, where, and when the data is being shared with other 3rd parties. Choosing to have a bit of privacy is not being a “conspiracy theorist.” Having reservations about the use of our data is prudent. To me, anyway.
Sharing data with a plugin dev - no problem.
Them then monetizing that data by passing it on to who knows who - is problem.
um .. you know you carry a device that can be tracked to 6" of your location regardless of your security settings? Heck., I worked on a platform that could determine your location from where you were browsing 10 years ago.
Sounds like a great example of consumers needing a choice in controlling which 3rd party entities get their data, then.
ok. But what data do you think your plugin usage (and if it crashes or has internal errors or not) would be valuable, and who would pay for that?
Your name and other info? They already have that (and in reality, so does everyone else).
The dev just wants to know if it’s crashing or conflicting with other stuff, or gets into a loop.
Walking into a retail store or mall with your phone is the kind of information that marketers want. (Because they want to know what products you’re interested in, so they don’t waste money showing you ads for things you don’t want - you know, like the ads in Future Music Magazine?)
You’re entitled to your opinion, as am I.
Any more in this vein I would consider to be just trolling. And that’s my opinion, too.