Avast sold privacy software, then sold users' web browsing data, FTC alleges

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: CBS News

February 23, 2024 / 11:46 AM EST


After promising that its software would shield internet users from third-party tracking, Avast allegedly harvested and sold customers' online browsing data, according to the Federal Trade Commission. The maker of antivirus software deceived customers by claiming it would protect their privacy, while not making clear it would collect and sell their "detailed, re-identifiable browsing data," the agency announced Thursday.

"Avast promised users that its products would protect the privacy of their browsing data but delivered the opposite," Samuel Levine, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, in a statement. "Avast's bait-and-switch surveillance tactics compromised consumers' privacy and broke the law."

U.K.-based Avast, through a Czech subsidiary, from 2014 to January 2020 stored and sold customer data collected through browser extensions and antivirus software installed on computers and mobile devices, according to the FTC's complaint.

That information, culled from users' online searches and the websites they visited, included their religious beliefs, health concerns, political leanings, location and financial status, and was sold to more than 100 third parties through an Avast subsidiary called Jumpshot, according to the agency.



Read more: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ftc-avast-browsing-data-privacy/

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Link to FTC PRESS RELEASE - FTC Order Will Ban Avast from Selling Browsing Data for Advertising Purposes, Require It to Pay $16.5 Million Over Charges the Firm Sold Browsing Data After Claiming Its Products Would Block Online Tracking

[MOMFUDSKI]

1. Why am I

not surprised?

[2naSalit]

2. Where do I sign up...

For the class action suit?

[ArkansasDemocrat1]

5. I'm joining it

[sybylla]

12. Same.

Mofos.

[Fullduplexxx]

3. I was under the impression There is no "free antivirus "

If it's free it means they're selling your info

[Oopsie Daisy]

17. Yes, that's a good rule of thumb. Does that also apply to paying subscribers, like our family is?

This is very disappointing. I've even been referring Avast to family and friends all these years.

[BootinUp]

4. Stopped using their stuff 6 years ago.

Last edited Fri Feb 23, 2024, 05:35 PM - Edit history (1)

The built-in AV in windows 10/11 is sufficient assuming your system does not have any major issues. On home builds the builder needs to make sure the system is well protected.

[Earth-shine]

10. The built-in Windows Defender is all 99% of users will ever need.

It's been that way for years.

[Kennah]

6. Switch to Kaspersky

[Kennah]

7. End to end control of the supply chain

[slightlv]

8. I noticed yesterday that Avast has joined

Norton and McAffee in telling me "my registration" is almost up and I need to renew... or that they'll be charging $XXX.xx to my card for autorenewal. Warned my husband about it, so that he doesn't get upset when he gets one in his email. Funny to read this article right after getting one of those emails! (LOL)

I've used Iobit for over 10 years and love it. I have no problems with my system, it's not that expensive to renew, and there are several other tools available to make life easier for me.

[ArkansasDemocrat1]

27. When I booted up my laptop this morning, saw a little pop-up from avast saying I can get a membership for 79% off

[Wonder Why]

9. Use Linux. Clam-AV is free and open source.

Do a web search and see the top-rated SleazyVast anti-virus

[limbicnuminousity]

13. Or a virtual machine behind a VPN on Tor.

The trial version of Malware Malbytes is still good for picking up random annoyances.

[Oopsie Daisy]

11. This is VERY disappointing. We've been an "Avast" household for over 10 years. Is there a class action lawsuit?

I deserve some compensation... or refunds.

NOW where do I go. Not McAffee... Not Kapersky... Not bloatware Norton... AVG (again)? We abandoned AVG after abandoning Norton... because it made our computers CRAWL.

Who can we trust???

[ArkansasDemocrat1]

14. I followed the same kinda road

Thinking it may be time to only be doing internet stuff on a chromebook and use my laptop as a library.

[mahina]

16. Same question.

[Timewas]

26. I use

Bitdefender and have no problems at all..........

[Oopsie Daisy]

28. Thanks! We're also considering Malwarebytes.

[Timewas]

30. Bitdefender

Allows up to five computers/tablets or phiones

[LudwigPastorius]

15. "Avast! They be pirates."

"Arrrrrrr"

[edhopper]

19. I have been using Avast forever

who do I switch to where this won't happen?

[dalton99a]

23. There is no need. Windows has a very good built-in antivirus scanner

if you're a PC user. (It is called Windows Defender or Windows Security in Settings)

[True Dough]

20. So can I assume

that the AVG free version violates my privacy in much the same way?

[dalton99a]

22. 100%. They sold everyone's data

[twodogsbarking]

21. Companies that sell drug testing kits also sell kits to bypass drug testing kits.

[Ms. Toad]

24. That's my spouse's antivirus software.

Grr . . .

[dingosatemyusername]

25. I have always suspected

that most computer viruses are released into the wild by the anti-virus companies. Think about it, what better way to sell anti-virus software than to give people viruses?
I know I have a cynical view of the world but 59 trips around the sun have taught me that this view is correct more often than not.

[4lbs]

29. People, just assume that EVERYTHING you do on the 'Net is public for all to see

and you won't be disappointed.

Every time you check FB, DU, your email, or browse the web, you are using the 'Net.

"Bank Mode", "Incognito Mode", "Safe Mode", or various "Privacy" settings mean nothing. It is all there for all to see. Pure and simple.

Don't want your information viewed? Don't go on the 'Net. For any reason.

Don't browse YouTube, PornHub, DU, FB, Gmail/Email, Amazon Prime, NetFlix, Hulu, etc. in a phone/tablet app, or using your web browser. Someone will grab that info and data sooner or later.

I've been involved in network security for almost 30 years. I know all the information and data that gets passed through the "intertubes", routers, gateways, etc.