The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has fined Avast, a virus protection software manufacturer, $16.5 million for collecting web browsing data through browser extensions and selling it to over 100 organizations. Avast has been gathering data from browsers since 2014, including PC and mobile browsers, comprising search queries and a list of websites visited by users. Despite the company’s claims that browser extensions help reduce tracking and enhance privacy, Avast’s practices have raised concerns.
Avast has stated that the transmitted data has been anonymized, but the FTC has found their measures insufficient. Avast did not send aggregated data but instead sent individual data pieces containing browser IDs, user locations, web visit times, device types, and browser brands. This information is detailed enough for recipients to potentially identify users.
In addition to the fine, the FTC requires Avast to notify affected users, delete the collected data, stop selling data from Avast-branded products, and obtain consent from new users for non-Avast branded products.
TLDR: The FTC fined Avast $16.5 million for collecting and selling web browsing data, highlighting privacy concerns and imposing restrictions on data sharing practices.
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