https://lists.fedoraproject.org/archives/list/[email protected]/thread/55H3DT5CCL73HLMQJ6DK63KCAHZWO7SX/
However, we also want to ensure that the data we collect is meaningful, so gnome-initial-setup will default to displaying the toggle as enabled,even though the underlying setting will initially be disabled. (The underlying setting will not actually be enabled until the user finishes the privacy page, to ensure users have the opportunity to disable the setting before any data is uploaded.) This is to ensure the system is opt-out, not opt-in. This is essential because we know that opt-in metrics are not very useful. Few users would opt in, and these users would not be representative of Fedora users as a whole. We are not interested in opt-in metrics.
Essentially they're playing with words to say it's opt out but if you just click Next like most users will do, it'll be enabled. The developer openly admits few users would opt in and complains that it wouldn't be useful.
Who just clicks next when installing a new OS? This is not like installing a regular program. Most people I know won't even do it themselves because they are afraid to mess things up.
Imo this is a good solution. You don't send any data if you don't want to, without having to hunt down a setting. At the same time they'll probably get more meaningful results, because people tend to go with the default.
I think the least contentious thing for both sides talking would be to have a mandatory screen that asks if you'd like to do it or not. No passive opt-in or opt-out/default behavior, but instead two buttons that make you explicitly make the choice.
Like I said, it's being discussed on Fedora Discussion right now. Feel free to join.