The Unexpected Hiccup in Ubuntu 23.10 Release
The highly anticipated release of Ubuntu 23.10 brought excitement to Linux enthusiasts worldwide. However, if you’re just waking up to download it, you’ve probably hit a roadblock. The main Ubuntu 23.10 desktop ISO, which was recently announced, mysteriously vanished from the official website. It’s not a date mix-up; there’s a valid reason for this puzzling disappearance. In this blog post, we’ll unravel the curious case of Ubuntu 23.10 and its unexpected hiccup.
A Malicious Twist:
In a surprising twist, Ubuntu’s official account on the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) shed light on the situation. It turns out that a contributor with malicious intent managed to sneak inappropriate content, bordering on hate speech, into translations submitted through a third-party tool outside of the Ubuntu Archive. As a result, the initial release of Ubuntu 23.10 contained these unsavory translations. These unsettling phrases found their way into the new Ubuntu installer but only surfaced when the installer was set to a specific language. It was a situation that was both unexpected and highly regrettable.
Swift Action and a Fresh Start:
Ubuntu didn’t take this lightly. In a commendable response, they promptly removed the offensive translations, replaced them with appropriate ones, and prepared an updated ISO for release. This act of diligence reflects Ubuntu’s commitment to maintaining a high standard of quality and inclusivity.
The Impact on Other Flavors:
The ripple effect of this incident extended to the ISOs for Ubuntu Budgie 23.10 and Ubuntu daily builds. While most Ubuntu flavors use Ubiquity or Calamares as their installers, these particular editions utilize the new installer, making them temporarily unavailable. However, revised versions have been prepared and will soon be back in action.
Terrible Translations:
The unfortunate revelation of this incident points toward the Ukrainian translation file as the one compromised. Upon examination, it was discovered that around 25% of the file contained offensive sentences covering topics such as politics, sexuality, and current events. These translations were not just inappropriate but overtly provocative and designed to incite controversy rather than provide legitimate language support.
What’s Next:
So, where does this leave eager Ubuntu 23.10 users? While the affected ISO was pulled from the official servers, it can still be downloaded from certain official Ubuntu mirrors, but this option may not last long. Additionally, unofficial sources and third-party websites might still host the original ISO, and torrents could be an alternative method for obtaining it. It’s important to note that this incident exclusively pertains to the new installer, leaving other Ubuntu flavors and legacy desktop images unaffected. Furthermore, Ubuntu upgrades remain unaffected, providing some relief for users who are looking to update their existing installations.
The mysterious disappearance of the Ubuntu 23.10 desktop ISO, due to the inclusion of offensive translations, is indeed an unexpected twist in the world of Linux releases. Ubuntu’s swift and diligent response in rectifying the situation demonstrates their commitment to delivering a top-quality product. While the hiccup is an inconvenience, it’s likely just a temporary one. Soon, a sanitized version will be back on the release servers, allowing users to experience Ubuntu 23.10 in all its glory.
