From what I've read, there's a bigger issue with the game when it comes to user data security.

The game is on sale and has been on my wishlist for a long time.
Basically, I would purchase it, but wonder if there is still this totally spying, even beyond the already unfortunately common telemetry data, or you can now deselect it?

Other than turning off the internet, are there any other ways to escape this spying and still play the game?
Installing spyware is a strange thing to do.

What is the state of play?

Thanks for your answers.

Looks like now there is Settings - Game - Game Settings - Allow sending of game statistics and also Allow sending of game saves, that can be changed to either yes or no.

That's been there from the day 1.
The bigger issue is the new EULA which states that the developer can install spyware on your computer and then gather your data through that spyware, sending and selling it to third parties. Refer to the most helpful review on the store page for details.