From 2014 onwards, the FTC stated that Avast had gathered browsing data from consumers using browser extensions and antivirus software. This data includes details about users' web searches, visited web pages, and sensitive information such as religious beliefs, health concerns, and political leanings.
The FTC has issues final order against Avast, prohibiting the sale or licensing of web browsing data for advertising purposes & mandating a payment of $16.5 million
The Federal Trade Commission in a press release declared they issued a decree prohibiting software provider Avast from selling, sharing, or licensing any web browsing data for advertising reasons. This action was taken to resolve allegations that the company and its affiliates sold this data despite assuring customers that their products would safeguard them from online tracking. Additionally, Avast is required to pay $16.5 million, with the intention of using the funds to compensate affected consumers.
Back in February, the FTC alleged Avast Limited, a UK-based company, of improperly gathering users' browsing data through their browser extensions and antivirus software. This data was then stored indefinitely and sold without proper notice or consent. Additionally, Avast was found to have misled users by promising privacy protection while actually selling detailed browsing information to over 100 third parties through its subsidiary, Jumpshot.
“Avast promised users that its products would protect the privacy of their browsing data but delivered the opposite,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “Avast’s bait-and-switch surveillance tactics compromised consumers’ privacy and broke the law.”
From 2014 onwards, the FTC stated that Avast had gathered browsing data from consumers using browser extensions and antivirus software. This data includes details about users' web searches, visited web pages, and sensitive information such as religious beliefs, health concerns, and political leanings.
Avast allegedly did not disclose to consumers that it was gathering and selling their browsing data, despite claiming that its products would reduce tracking on the web. When users looked for Avast's browser extensions, they were assured that Avast would "block annoying tracking cookies that collect data on your browsing activities" and guaranteed that its desktop software would "protect your privacy. Prevent anyone and everyone from accessing your computer."
Avast's acquisition of Jumpshot led to the rebranding of the company as an analytics firm. From 2014 to 2020, Jumpshot sold consumer browsing data to various clients, including advertising, marketing, and data analytics companies. The company claimed to use a special algorithm to remove identifying information before sharing the data, but the FTC alleges that it failed to sufficiently anonymize the information. This included unique identifiers for web browsers, precise timestamps, device and browser types, and location data. Avast was also accused of falsely claiming that it would only transfer consumer information in aggregate and anonymous form.
According to an order, Avast and its subsidiaries are required to remove all web browsing data sent to Jumpshot, as well as any products or algorithms created from that data. They must also get clear consent from consumers before sharing or selling browsing data from non-Avast products to third parties for advertising.
Consumers whose browsing information was shared without consent must be informed about the FTC's actions, and Avast must establish a thorough privacy program to address the issues raised by the FTC.
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