I have read that this game originally included a spyware program called Playfab, but that it has since been removed after a rightfully massive outcry. Can we get some sort of official confirmation here from GoG that it is in fact gone? I've always enjoyed the Steamworld series and would love to purchase this one, but I'm simply not comfortable doing so until I hear a direct statement that this has been resolved.

You can find the official statement at https://steamworldgames.com/news/eula-privacy-update

This patch is live since 19 December 2023 on all platforms, see the patch notes: https://steamdb.info/patchnotes/12980270/ (the last point is the important note).

Because GoG's ethos is no internet required to play, surely we can block the program from accessing any internet via our firewall or 2 disable the internet when playing.

I agree these should not be necessary.

I had this game in the shopping cart when I read what people had said and I immediately removed it and will be mindful not to support this dev, I don't want to risk it.