This is why I warn people to avoid Ubuntu, it's like Apple and Microsoft all over again.  Ubuntu are the biggest disgrace in the history of GNU/Linux distributions.

Install and use Debian - problem solved.

Debian are working closely with the FSF etc.  I hear they even expect to have a totally blob-free version of Debian soon.  Debian is all about giving the user absolute control with complete transparency and no hidden nasties.  Ubuntu is the opposite and you should not install or use Ubuntu.  Like I said, Ubuntu is "officially" shunned - and you can't get more official than that.

Use Debian, problem solved.  No one ever has, and no one ever will, force me to intall an update or anything else on my computer that I don't want to.  I have that control (and always will) because I use Debian.