I want to make video calls in Ubuntu. Facebook doesn't seem to work, so I thought I'd download and install skype from its page. Is there any risk? Thanks.
This risk is minimal and not really an issue. If you want to know where your packets are going, I would advise Wireshark.
On a separate note, do not use Skype website to download as, I assume your using 14.04, your way to get this. Instead add these lines in Terminal:
sudo sh -c 'echo "deb http://archive.canonical.com/ubuntu trusty partner" >> /etc/apt/sources.list.d/canonical_partner.list
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install Skype
This will install the correct version for the current Kernel.
For Skype Ethics go here https://wiki.ubuntu.com/SkypeEthics. To further read behind the risks.
