I wonder if Canonical could use this to their advantage, now that they are 'taking a stand against unofficial Ubuntu images'.[0] (looking at you, OVH...)

It could also go a long way towards addressing concerns that they, as a UK corporation, may now be subject to the Investigatory Powers Act requiring encryption 'back doors' be inserted in communications software.[1] Even if you argue that Ubuntu isn't communication software, they do ship plenty of packages that are.

[0]http://insights.ubuntu.com/2016/12/01/taking-a-stand-against...

[1]http://www.theregister.co.uk/2016/11/30/investigatory_powers...