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But in the case of a checkout where you give info letting them track your purchases, you get discounts in return. Audacity isn't offering anything in return for opting in to telemetry.

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What you're getting in return is improved UX and performance, albeit it is a more abstract and collective gain than discounts.

You also get (unless you are a contributor, I guess) a very capable and transparent music editing software for free.

In Germany I have never been offered a discount in that manner. Coupons are the only way to do this here.

I'm also German. Once, when I was asked for my zip code at checkout, I asked what they use it for. The cashier said it's being used to decide where to distribute physical advertisements (those store-branded magazines that land in your mailbox every week which list all the items that are on sale next week). I can't know how much truth there is to it, so take it with a grain of salt.

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